TORNA ALL’ELENCO

A nationwide survey on internet and social media use among patients with colorectal diseases in Colorectal Disease

2019
ASL Alessandria

Tipo pubblicazione

Conference Abstract

Autori/Collaboratori (8)Vedi tutti...

Alessandro S
Proctological and Perineal Surgical Unit, Cisanello University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
Gallo G
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
Pellino G
Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy

et alii...

Abstract

Aim: ISMAEL survey (Internet and Social Media Among colorectaL patients) aims to evaluate the impact of Internet and social media on patients affected by colorectal and proctologic diseases. Method: From March to July 2018 an anonymous questionnaire of 31 items was administered to all the patients referred to the outpatient clinic of the participating centers affiliated to the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery. Each center created a team involved in the survey (up to 1 senior and 2 young <40 years). Results: 43 surgical units joined the survey with a total of 5800 patients uniformly distributed according to gender, age and geographical area. 50% of them used the internet daily but 62% still referred to the general practitioner as a source of information about symptoms and where to see a specialist. Amongst internet-users, 57.7% used Google to search for health-related information preferring health-care professionals or hospitals websites. In 8.7% social media was a source of information but 48.3% of patients would check the pages of professional or the details of the referring doctor. Conclusion: Internet and social media are rising as a source of health-related information. Understanding the impact on colorectal and proctology patients allows the development of a new contemporary and scientifically-based communication strategy.

Keywords

adult; colorectal disease; colorectal surgery; conference abstract; controlled study; female; gender; general practitioner; human; Internet; major clinical study; male; outpatient department; proctology; questionnaire; social media; surgery;