Information retrieval of self-care and dependent-care agents using NetWellnessRTM, a consumer health information network

Since the earliest times a major focus of nursing has been to provide health care information to those in their care. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate information retrieval of consumers using NetWellness RTM, a community health information network. Using Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, six research questions were developed. These questions were designed to determine if there were any differences in information retrieval based on whether the participants were self-care agents or dependent-care agents, or whether differences were based on basic conditioning factors identified as age, gender, race, household income and educational levels. In addition questions were included to determine the consumers' satisfaction with NetWellness RTM and to identify specific topics directed to experts. A convenience sample of 307 participants completed the online questionnaire; of these participants 215 were identified as either self-care or dependent care agents.; There was a statistically significant finding at the .05 level (chi 2 = 8.708; p = .033) for Ask an Expert as the first selected category by basic conditioning factor: age. A significant difference at the .05 level was also calculated using a Chi-Square analysis for Condition Specific as the first selected category by race (chi2 = 3.857; p = .05). Although not statistically significant there were additional findings of importance to note from this study. The purpose for obtaining information tended to identify the type of information obtained by the participants. In addition questions directed to Ask an Expert demonstrated that specific information was sought related to self-care or dependent care needs. A major finding related to this study was that regardless of any of the variables such as care agents or basic conditioning factors the mean number of categories participants accessed to obtain information ranged from 3.2--4.9 with the average being 3.7. Within Orem's supportive-educative nursing system, consumers indicated satisfaction with NetWellnessRTM as a method of obtaining health care information. Recommendations were made for nurses to conduct further studies within Orem's supportive-educative nursing system utilizing the Internet for providing health care information to consumers. Additional recommendations were made for developing standards for rigor when conducting on-line surveys.