Self-Diagnosis Tools
Self-diagnosis is very popular, but is it accurate? A 2006 study found that diagnoses from Google searches produced the correct diagnosis in 15 of the 26 cases. (1)
"A survey of US doctors in 2003 showed that 85% had patients that had brought internet health information to an appointment. The quality of the information had an impact on both patient care and the doctor-patient relationship. Accurate, relevant information helped, while irrelevant information did not." (2)
Information on Self-Diagnosis
- How to Self-Diagnose Online -- Without Contracting Cyberchondria
- The Pros and Cons of Online Self-Diagnosis
Self-Diagnosis Web Sites
- Medline Plus
- Web MD
- Healia - Guide to healthy decisions
- EMedTV - Health information brought to life
- AOL Health
- Go Ask Alice
- Rethinking Drinking - Alcohol and your Health
Health-Related Blogs
Health-Related Podcasts
(1) Hangwi Tang and Jennifer Hwee Kwoon Ng "Googling for a diagnosis-use of Google as a diagnostic aid: internet based study" British Medical Journal 2006;333:1143-1145 (2 December)
(2) Impact of Health Information on the Internet on Health Care and the Physician-Patient Relationship: National U.S. Survey among 1.050 U.S. Physicians"J Med Internet Res 2003;5(3):e17