Can Internet Information Calm Patients With Cardiomyopathy?

Study finds the Internet to be more helpful than harmful to patients researching health information.

Federal Practitioner. 2015 August;32(8):e2

September 1, 2015 | Federal Practitioner

Contrary to the perception that scouring the Internet for health information can be confusing and even harmful for patients, a study from University of Padova in Italy suggests that it can lower their anxiety.

The researchers gave 48 patients with primary or secondary cardiomyopathy and 56 patients with risk factors for cardiomyopathy 3 different questionnaires. One measured Internet use, the second quality of life, and the third general anxiety levels. Of the respondents, 85% were surfing the Web for nonspecific information about health and 65% for information specifically about heart disease.

Seeking and getting information online lowered levels of general anxiety among the respondents. The researchers noted that patients’ perception of being “forced” to develop a capability for self-care could make them feel anxious. The study findings support the idea that the more a patient knows about the disease, the higher the perceived self-efficacy and ability to develop coping strategies. Moreover, whereas a patient might meet with a physician only a few times a year, the Web is always open, with all the information one needs to manage a disease. Patients can also communicate with others who have the disease, which can be reassuring.

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The researchers say the potential impact of the Internet to reduce anxiety is substantial: Patients who used the Internet the most reported a level of anxiety 3 points lower than those with less intense usage. That effect accounts for about one-quarter of more aggressive therapies to reduce anxiety, such as lysergic acid diethylamide–assisted psychotherapy, the researchers say, and about one-half of the effect of music therapy