Evaluation of sources of information patients access before seeing GP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of the sources of information patients access before attending their General Practitioner.
IRAS ID
236302
Contact name
Ching-Wa Chung
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 27 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the different sources of information patients access before attending their GP. The sources of information accessed by patients has changed considerably over the years especially since the development of the internet. It is estimated that in the UK, a third of the population uses search engines for health advice which is the same proportion as those who contact their GP.
This study will help us identify which sources of information are accessed by patients of different age groups. Also identify which sources are reported by patients to be most useful, trustworthy and easiest to access. This is an important area for research as it will help us to evaluate the most common accessed sources of information now used by patients.
As there are now thousands of health information websites many which may not contain accurate information this study will help us find out which sources of information patients are now accessing. This may help health professionals to improve signposting to the best sources of information for patients.
The study will be conducted in two general practices in Highland and will use a non-validated instrument in the form of a custom designed questionnaire. Patients aged 16 years and over will be invited to participate in this study. The data collection will be for 4 weeks.REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
18/WS/0034
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion