What are the Sources for Health Information among Patients Attending Otolaryngology Outpatient Clinics in Israel? A Questionnaire Survey

Aim: Sources for health information are continually growing and become easily accessible to the public. The aim of the study was to investigate the sources of health information and the satisfaction level with the sources among patients attending otolaryngology (ENT) outpatient clinics in Israel.
Study Design: A structured questionnaire was given to patients attending ENT clinics at a tertiary medical center.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Otolaryngology, Soroka university medical center during the years 2011-2012.
Methodology: We included adult patients attending the otolaryngology clinic at our medical center that agree to fulfill the questionnaire.
Results: 186 questionnaires were completed. 74% of the patients thought that prior information would have helped them in their visit, 54% actually obtained information. Internet access was not age or education-dependent. 71 patients consulted their family physician, 94% were satisfied. The percentage of satisfaction from friends, medical leaflets, Internet, books and newspapers were 91%, 83%, 80%, 78% and 66%, respectively. 71% wanted to know more about their disease, 17% to reduce anxiety, 7% to accept their disease and 5% to treat themselves. Among patients who did not obtain information; 50% expected to get enough information at the visit, 17% did not think it was important, 27% did not have time and 6% did not have information access.
Conclusions: Obtaining information prior to medical consultation is important to patients. The main and best source is family physicians. The patient - doctor encounter is expected by patients to provide information on their diseases.