Internet patient vs. internet-informed patient

In the ongoing Internet Age, the theory and practice of health communication experience noticeable changes due to advancing technologies. As part of a patient empowerment process in this eHealth era, patients have more options to access relevant health information, share this information with peers or clinicians in patient-centered communication, and actively participate in shared health decision making. Theories about motivations and drivers to use the Internet, such as the Goals–Plans–Action Model (GPA) or the Optimal Matching Theory (OMT), help grasp two trends in patients' health information behaviors which relate to the Internet as a source of health information on the one hand and as an interaction and communication channel on the other. These are either reflected in the Internet-informed patient increasingly seeking health information on the web or the Internet patient using various online channels to communicate with clinicians and/or other patients. While the two terms sound similar, they actually differ considerably and thus should not be used interchangeably. In this entry, explanations of the two distinct concepts are provided, considering elements of both and their context of use. Light is shed on resulting effects for patients, clinicians, their encounter, and relationship. Using the Internet for health information purposes may either trigger unreasonable fears (cyberchondria) or better equip patients for coping with their health issues (uncertainty management). Moreover, Internet technology enables different formats for the clinician–patient interaction such as telemedicine consultations, or for patients' self-management behaviors (e.g., health apps).