The impact of cyberchondria on doctor-patient communication

In an effort to explore the relationship between cyberchondria and doctor-patient communication, 862 adults completed a survey including measures to assess cyberchondria, hypochondria, problematic Internet use, medical communicative competence, and patient satisfaction. Results indicate that as participant cyberchondria levels increase, perceptions of personal communicative competence decrease significantly. Sample characteristics also reveal that cyberchondria levels are negatively correlated to a respondents' ability to communicate via email with their doctor, ever discussing Internet health information with their doctor, and having online access to personal medical records. Furthermore, respondents who have seen a doctor in the previous 12 months report significantly higher levels of cyberchondria than those who have not seen a doctor in the previous year. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations for areas of future research development are advanced.