Why and When Physicians Google: Resident Physicians’ Information-Seeking Strategies During Patient Consultations

Question

1. Why do resident physicians use Google for medical info?

2. How were participants selected for the focus group interviews?

3. What are examples of safe knowledge gaps?

4. What factors influence safe Google searching in front of patients?

Accepted Answer

Resident physicians use Google for medical information seeking during patient consultations due to various reasons. Time constraints, technical issues, lack of reliable resources, and personal skills and attitudes are some of the barriers that prevent them from conducting digital searches for all their questions. However, despite these challenges, physicians increasingly rely on online medical information to research medical conditions, stay updated on the latest treatments, and find answers to clinical questions. The study aims to explore their experiences and perceptions, shedding light on the complex and expanding role of digital tools in patient consultations. Understanding the factors influencing physicians' use of search engines like Google can help improve decision-making and enhance the quality of patient care.

Accepted Answer

Participants were selected from residents attending two consecutive courses in medical science at a Swedish healthcare hospital group. Informed consent was obtained, and 34 participants volunteered, representing 14 different specialties. One participant declined to join the study. The selection process ensured a diverse range of medical specialties were represented in the focus group interviews.

Accepted Answer

Examples of safe knowledge gaps include searching for drug dosages, potential side effects, and patient information to guide patients to reliable sources. Physicians find it reassuring to look up this information in front of patients, as it is not expected for them to know everything by heart. Using medical terms can be confusing, so providing images as educational tools is also common. These searches are considered unproblematic and are not hidden from patients.

Accepted Answer

The decision to search Google in front of or with patients depends on personal characteristics, patient perception, and the context of information-seeking. Physicians' confidence in using search engines evolves over time, and they consider patients' feelings and potential doubts about their competence. The situation and the patient's characteristics play a crucial role in determining the appropriateness of Google searching in front of patients. It is essential to strike a balance between providing accurate information and maintaining patient trust and confidence in the physician's expertise.

Accepted Answer

Physicians justify using Google during patient consultations by identifying safe knowledge gaps that are acceptable to Google in front of patients. They aim to bridge these gaps by seeking information and then educating patients on how to trustworthy online sources. This approach ensures that patients are guided towards reliable medical information while maintaining transparency and trust in the doctor-patient relationship. The study highlights the importance of balancing information-seeking with patient education and privacy tactics to ensure ethical and effective use of digital resources in healthcare settings.

Accepted Answer

Resident physicians use Google to add value to patient information and employ clandestine strategies. Our study highlights the importance of transparency in the information-seeking process to promote patient engagement and shared learning. Future training programs should address the benefits of transparency in the patient-doctor relationship. The findings are limited to residents and one hospital group in Sweden, but they contribute insights into the use of general search engines for medical information-seeking during patient consultations.

Why and When Physicians Google: Resident Physicians’ Information-Seeking Strategies During Patient Consultations

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Most frequently asked questions

1. Why do resident physicians use Google for medical info?

2. How were participants selected for the focus group interviews?

3. What are examples of safe knowledge gaps?

4. What factors influence safe Google searching in front of patients?

5. How do physicians justify using Google during patient consultations?

6. How do resident physicians use Google during patient consultations?

Citations

Systematic analysis of ChatGPT, Google search and Llama 2 for clinical decision support tasks

Online information for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) survivors and their families: A systematic appraisal of content and quality of websites.

Exploring the impact of medical knowledge and information search skills on information searching behavior and quality of information found: A study comparing students-residents in medicine versus students in computer science (Preprint)

References

Using thematic analysis in psychology

Qualitative data analysis with NVIVO

Internet health information seeking and the patient-physician relationship: A systematic review

“Why Do They Need to Check Me?” Patient Participation Through eHealth and the Doctor-Patient Relationship: Qualitative Study

Clinical information seeking behavior of physicians: A systematic review.

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