Online Behaviors, Offline Consequences? Linking Online Traces of Health Information Use to Observed Communication During Medical Consultations

Authors

  • Minh Hao Nguyen Amsterdam School of Communication Research/ASCoR, University of Amsterdam
  • Nadine Bol Department of Communication and Cognition, Tilburg University, The Netherlands
  • Inge S. van Strien Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
  • Kirsten van der Eijken Amsterdam School of Communication Research/ASCoR, University of Amsterdam
  • Kristien M. A. J. Tytgat Department of Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam
  • Hanneke W. M. van Laarhoven Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam
  • Mark I. van Berge Henegouwen Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam
  • Ellen M. A. Smets Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam
  • Julia C. M. van Weert Amsterdam School of Communication Research/ASCoR, University of Amsterdam

Keywords:

digital trace data, video observations, information seeking, online health information, interpersonal communication, patient participation, question asking, patient-provider communication

Abstract

Research suggests that online health information (OHI) influences offline communication with doctors. However, previous studies have largely examined this with self-reports that are subject to bias. Drawing from unique website trace data and videotaped observations of 232 patients, this study investigates how OHI use relates to participatory communication behaviors during consultations (i.e., question asking and concern expression about various topics). Multivariate analyses showed that the number of Web pages viewed related to greater question asking, unlike the time spent viewing these Web pages. Relying behavioral data, we provide empirical evidence showing that these online activities associate differently with people’s offline communication with doctors. Specifically, it is not how long but rather the various information people are exposed to that matters. This study gives insight into the offline consequences of online behavior in the health context and discusses the implications for theorizing the role of computer-mediated communication in today’s digital information society.

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Published

2025-01-06

Issue

Vol. 19 (2025)

Section

Articles