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Cited by 37Health Literacy and Information AccessibilityElectronic Health Records SystemsPatient-Provider Communication in Healthcare

Physicians’ motives for professional Internet use and differences in attitudes toward the Internet-informed patient, physician–patient communication, and prescribing behavior

Open access
Moick, Martina, Terlutter, Ralf·2012·Medicine 2.0
DOI 10.2196/med20.1996PMC PMC4084769
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physicians have differing motives for using the Internet and Internet-related services in their professional work. These motives may affect their evaluation of patients who bring with them health-related information from the Internet. Differing motives may also affect physician-patient communication and subsequent prescribing behavior. OBJECTIVES: to segment physicians into types based on their motives for using the internet in connection with professional activities and to analyze how those segments differ in their attitudes in three areas: toward patients who bring along Internet-sourced information; in their own subsequent prescribing behavior; and in their attitudes toward using the Internet to communicate with patients in future. METHODS: We surveyed 287 German physicians online from three medical fields. To assess physicians' motives for using the Internet for their professional activities, we asked them to rate their level of agreement with statements on a 7-point scale. Motive statements were reduced to motive dimensions using principal component analysis, and 2-step cluster analysis based on motive dimensions identified different segments of physicians. Several statements assessed agreement or disagreement on a 7-point scale physicians' attitudes toward patients' bringing Internet information to the consultation and their own subsequent prescribing behavior. Further, we asked physicians to indicate on a 7-point scale their valuation of the Internet for physician-patient communication in the future. Data were then subjected to variance and contingency analyses. RESULTS: we identified three motive dimensions for internet use: (1) being on the cutting edge and for self-expression (Cronbach alpha = .88), (2) efficiency and effectiveness (alpha = .79), and (3) diversity and convenience (alpha = .71). These three factors accounted for 71.4% of the variance. Based on physicians' motives for using the Internet, four types of physician Internet user were identified: (1) the Internet Advocate (2), Efficiency-Oriented, (3) Internet Critic, and (4) Driven Self-expressionist. Groups differed significantly concerning (1) their attitude toward informed patients in general (F 1234 = 9.215, P < .001), (2) perceived improvement in the physician-patient relationship Internet information brings (F 1234 = 5.386, P < .001), (3) perceived accuracy of information the patient brings (F 1234 = 3.658, P = .01), and (4) perceived amount of time needed to devote to an Internet-informed patient (F 1234 = 3.356, P = .02). Physician segments did not differ significantly in reported prescribing behavior (F 1234 = 1.910, P = .13). However, attitudes toward using the Internet to communicate with patients in future differed significantly (F 1234 = 23.242, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on self-reporting by German physicians of their motives for professional Internet use, we identified four types of Internet users who differ significantly in their attitude toward patients who bring along Internet information and their attitudes toward using the Internet to communicate with patients in future.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

A survey of 287 German physicians segmented them by motives for professional Internet use into four types, which differed significantly in attitudes toward Internet-informed patients and future Internet communication with patients, but not in reported prescribing behavior. The authors argue that motive-based segmentation can help tailor support for physicians’ Internet use.

Key findings

  • Principal component analysis identified three motive dimensions: “being on the cutting edge and for self-expression” (Cronbach alpha = .88), “efficiency and effectiveness” (alpha = .79), and “diversity and convenience” (alpha = .71); together they accounted for 71.4% of variance.
  • Cluster analysis identified four physician types: Internet Advocate (n = 101, 35.2%), Efficiency-Oriented (n = 93, 32%), Internet Critic (n = 29, 10%), and Driven Self-expressionist (n = 51, 18%).
  • Groups differed significantly in general attitude toward Internet-informed patients (F 1234 = 9.215, P < .001), perceived improvement in the physician–patient relationship (F 1234 = 5.386, P < .001), perceived wrong/misunderstood information (F 1234 = 3.658, P = .01), and perceived time-consuming consultation (F 1234 = 3.356, P = .02); they did not differ on loss of authority/control (F 1234 = 0.879, P = .45).
  • Reported prescribing behavior did not differ significantly (F 1234 = 1.910, P = .13), but attitudes toward future Internet communication with patients did (F 1234 = 23.242, P < .001), with means of 4.91 for Internet Advocates, 4.45 for Driven Self-expressionists, 3.36 for Efficiency-Oriented, and 2.18 for Internet Critics.

Methods

  • Online survey of 287 German physicians in December 2010 and January 2011, drawn from a GfK HealthCare physicians’ e-panel and stratified by medical field: general practitioners (n = 127), orthopedists (n = 80), and dermatologists (n = 80).
  • Motives for professional Internet use were rated on 7-point agreement scales; principal component analysis with varimax rotation reduced motives to dimensions, and 2-step cluster analysis segmented physicians based on those dimensions.
  • Attitudes toward Internet-informed patients, prescribing behavior, and future Internet communication were assessed with 7-point scales; data were analyzed using variance and contingency analyses in SPSS version 18.

Limitations

  • The paper states that the sample came from a physician e-panel and used an online questionnaire, so only physicians with Internet access and ability to use the Internet could participate; physicians with more positive Internet attitudes may have been overrepresented.
  • The paper states that no questions on physicians’ Internet literacy were included, so possible relations between Internet-use history and user intentions could not be considered.
  • Evident from the text: the study is cross-sectional and based on self-report, so causal claims are not supported; the sample is limited to three medical fields in Germany, and the Internet Critic segment is small (n = 29), which may affect cluster stability.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.2196/med20.1996

Cites

40 of 40 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 29 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Based on the motive dimensions, four types of physician Internet user were identified: Internet Advocate, Efficiency-Oriented, Internet Critic, and Driven Self-expressionist.

    “On the basis of the motive dimensions for using the Internet for professional activities, we identified four types of Internet user by a 2-step cluster analysis: (1) the Internet Advocate, (2) the Efficiency-Oriented physician, (3) the Internet Critic, and (4) the Driven Self-expressionist (Table 2).”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Based on physicians’ motives for using the Internet, four types of physician Internet user were identified: (1) the Internet Advocate (2), Efficiency-Oriented, (3) Internet Critic, and (4) Driven Self-expressionist.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Principal component analysis with varimax rotation revealed that physicians' motives for professional Internet use had three underlying factors (motive dimensions).

    “Principal component analysis with varimax rotation revealed that motives had three underlying factors (motive dimensions).”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “We identified three motive dimensions for Internet use: (1) being on the cutting edge and for self-expression (Cronbach alpha = .88), (2) efficiency and effectiveness (alpha = .79), and (3) diversity and convenience (alpha = .71).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The three motive factors accounted for 71.4% of the variance.

    “The three factors accounted for 71.4% of variance.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “These three factors accounted for 71.4% of the variance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The Internet Advocate segment comprised 101 physicians (35.2% of the sample).

    “The Internet Advocate (n = 101, 35.2% of sample) is the physician segment with the most positive evaluation of professional Internet use.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Physician segments did not differ significantly in reported prescribing behavior (F 1234 = 1.910, P = .13).

    “Physician segments did not differ significantly in reported prescribing behavior (F 1234 = 1.910, P = .13).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 33
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 17

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The first motive dimension was 'being on the cutting edge and for self-expression' with Cronbach alpha = .88.

    “The factors were (1) being on the cutting edge and for self-expression (Cronbach alpha = .88), (2) efficiency and effectiveness (alpha = .79), and (3) diversity and convenience (alpha = .71) (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The third motive dimension was 'diversity and convenience' with Cronbach alpha = .71.

    “The factors were (1) being on the cutting edge and for self-expression (Cronbach alpha = .88), (2) efficiency and effectiveness (alpha = .79), and (3) diversity and convenience (alpha = .71) (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Due to low factor loading, 4 of 14 motive statements were not included in any factor and were omitted from further analyses.

    “Due to a low factor loading, 4 of 14 statements were not included in any of the factors and we omitted them from further analyses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The second motive dimension was 'efficiency and effectiveness' with Cronbach alpha = .79.

    “The factors were (1) being on the cutting edge and for self-expression (Cronbach alpha = .88), (2) efficiency and effectiveness (alpha = .79), and (3) diversity and convenience (alpha = .71) (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    44% (54/123) of general practitioners, 36% (28/77) of orthopedists, and 26% (19/74) of dermatologists were in the Internet Advocate group.

    “A total of 44% (54/123) of general practitioners were in this group and 36% (28/77) of orthopedists, but only 26% (19/74) of dermatologists.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Internet Advocate wants to be on the cutting edge and appreciates the diversity of formats of user-generated media, such as social networks and bulletin boards.

    “This type wants to be on the cutting edge and in particular appreciates the diversity of formats of user-generated media, such as social networks and bulletin boards.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    General practitioners were overrepresented and dermatologists were underrepresented in the Internet Advocate segment.

    “Hence, general practitioners were overrepresented, while dermatologists were underrepresented in this segment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Internet Advocate finds the Internet useful for self-expression and finding information easily.

    “These physicians find the Internet useful for self-expression and finding information easily.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Internet Critic uses the Internet for professional activities the least of all types, and results indicate that physicians of this type do not intend to increase use in future.

    “This type uses the Internet for professional activities the least of all types, and results indicate that physicians of this type do not intend to increase use in future.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All four segments had mean scores below the midpoint of the scale for pressure to prescribe requested medication (means varied from 2.66 to 3.28).

    “All four segments had mean scores below the midpoint of the scale (means varied from 2.66 to 3.28) (Table 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Orthopedists (20/77, 26%) were overrepresented in the Driven Self-expressionist group, whereas general practitioners were slightly underrepresented (17/123, 14%); 19% (14/74) of dermatologists were in this segment.

    “Orthopedists (20/77, 26% of all orthopedists) were overrepresented in this group, whereas general practitioners were slightly underrepresented (17/123, 14%). Of all dermatologists, 19% (14/74) were in this segment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The majority of dermatologists (30/74, 40%) belonged to the Efficiency-Oriented segment; 37% (45/123) of general practitioners and 24% (18/77) of orthopedists belonged to it.

    “The majority of the dermatologists (30/74, 40%) belonged to this user segment, 37% (45/123) of the general practitioners, and 24% (18/77) of all orthopedists.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    On the basis of physicians' self-reported behavior, physicians use the Internet for different reasons and four types of physicians can be identified based on their motives for professional Internet use.

    “On the basis of physicians’ self-reported behavior, we were able to show that physicians use the Internet for different reasons and that four types of physicians can be identified, based on their motives for professional Internet use.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Internet Advocate is open-minded toward the Internet and uses social media for professional activities.

    “The Internet Advocate is open-minded toward the Internet and, for instance, uses social media for professional activities”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Driven Self-expressionist uses the Internet for its convenience, but has low motivation to use user-generated media.

    “This segment uses the Internet for its convenience, but has low motivation to use user-generated media.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Internet Critic had the least negative opinion about Internet-informed patients coming with wrong/incomplete/misunderstood information (mean 4.97), while Efficiency-Oriented (5.44), Internet Advocate (5.59), and Driven Self-expressionist (5.88) thought patients are not able to deal with health-related Internet information correctly or differentiate accurate from inaccurate content (F=3.658, P=

    “Whereas the Internet Critic had the least negative opinion here (mean 4.97), the Efficiency-Oriented (5.44), the Internet Advocate (5.59), and the Driven Self-expressionist (5.88; F = 3.658, P = .01) thought that patients are not able to deal with health-related Internet information correctly or are unable to differentiate between accurate and inaccurate content.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Driven Self-expressionist uses the Internet for self-expression and sees the importance to a physician of being on the Web.

    “The Driven Self-expressionist (n = 51, 18%) uses the Internet for self-expression and sees the importance to a physician of being on the Web.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Driven Self-expressionist's average Internet use was 1.21 hours a day for private activities and 0.82 hours for professional activities.

    “The duration of Internet use on average was 1.21 hours a day for private activities and 0.82 hours for professional activities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Internet Critic had the second highest rate of Internet use for private activities (mean 1.55 hours daily), but a much lower use for professional activities (0.87 hours daily).

    “Interestingly, the Internet Critic had the second highest rate of Internet use for private activities (mean of 1.55 hours daily), but a much lower use for professional activities (0.87 hours daily).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    General practitioners were underrepresented, whereas orthopedists and dermatologists were overrepresented in the Internet Critic segment.

    “General practitioners were underrepresented, whereas orthopedists and dermatologists were overrepresented in this segment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Internet Advocate saw a high degree of benefit for the physician-patient relationship in enhanced information levels (mean 4.68), while Driven Self-expressionist (4.06) and Efficiency-Oriented (4.05) agreed but less positively; Internet Critic (3.59) saw the least benefit (F=5.386, P<.001).

    “The Internet Advocate also saw a high degree of benefit for the physician–patient relationship in enhanced information levels (mean 4.68), while the Driven Self-expressionist (4.06) and the Efficiency-Oriented (4.05) agree, but less positively. The Internet Critic (3.59) saw the least benefit for improving the relationship (F = 5.386, P < .001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Internet Advocate (average 4.91) could most easily imagine using the Internet to intensify communication with patients, followed by Driven Self-expressionist (4.45); Efficiency-Oriented took a neutral position (3.36); Internet Critic saw almost no reason (2.18; F=23.242, P<.001).

    “The Internet Advocate (average 4.91) could most easily imagine using the Internet to intensify communication with patients, followed by the Driven Self-expressionist with an average of 4.45.”
    • Also stated in: § Attitudes Toward Internet Communication With Patients in the Future · plain
      “The Internet Critic saw almost no reason to use the Internet for communicating with patients (average 2.18).”
    • Also stated in: § Attitudes Toward Internet Communication With Patients in the Future · plain
      “Differences between the user types were significant (F = 23.242, P < .001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Efficiency-Oriented type used the Internet the least of all four types, averaging 1.15 hours per day for private and 0.83 hours for professional activities.

    “This type used the Internet the least of all four types, on average 1.15 hours per day for private and 0.83 hours for professional activities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only about 6% (7/123) of general practitioners, 14% (11/77) of orthopedists, and 15% (11/74) of dermatologists belonged to the Internet Critic group.

    “Only about 6% (7/123) of general practitioners, 14% (11/77) of orthopedists, and 15% (11/74) of dermatologists belonged to this group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    The sample was based on a randomly generated set of physicians stratified by medical field, consisting of general practitioners (n = 127), orthopedists (n = 80), and dermatologists (n = 80).

    “The sample was based on a randomly generated set of physicians stratified by medical field, consisting of general practitioners (n = 127), orthopedists (n = 80), and dermatologists (n = 80).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: General practitioners, orthopedists, and dermatologists all treat both acute and chronic diseases, making them comparable for the study's purposes.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    Motives are strong driving forces of human behavior.

    “Motives are strong driving forces of human behavior [11].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Schiffman, L, 2007, Consumer Behavior. 9th edition

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Findings were similar among Swiss physicians, who appreciated Internet-informed patients participating actively in the consultation.

    “Findings were similar among Swiss physicians, who appreciated Internet-informed patients participating actively in the consultation [21].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Previous research shows concerns regarding unnecessary consultations, time-consuming discussions, dealing with questions, and correcting misinterpreted information, all of which are a challenge to physicians.

    “Though the findings are ambiguous (eg, [28]), previous research also shows concerns regarding unnecessary consultations [29], time-consuming discussions [22], dealing with questions [4], and correcting misinterpreted information [21], all of which are a challenge to physicians.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [29] Anderson, JG, 2003, J Med Syst source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [22] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [4] Iverson, Sa, 2008, J Am Osteopath Assoc

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A study among UK physicians found that, in approximately 50% of prescriptions, patients' preferences were considered, because physicians felt pressured by the patients.

    “However, a study among UK physicians found that, in approximately 50% of prescriptions, patients’ preferences were considered [35], because physicians felt pressured by the patients.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [35] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    About 75% of US physicians reported preferring shared decision making with their patients and especially encouraged their patients to look for information.

    “About 75% of US physicians reported preferring shared decision making with their patients and especially encouraged their patients to look for information [31].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    At least one-third of the overall population in selected European countries was interested in the possibility of using a Web tool to renew prescriptions, schedule appointments, or ask the doctor health questions.

    “At least one-third of the overall population in selected European countries was interested in the possibility of using a Web tool to renew prescriptions, schedule appointments, or ask the doctor health questions [40].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In a study among Greek physicians, results indicate that physicians are still autonomous, and only 11% would prescribe a medication requested by the patient.

    “In a study among Greek physicians, results indicate that physicians are still autonomous, and only 11% would prescribe a medication requested by the patient [33].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [33] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In consumer and marketing research, motives are regularly used as segmentation variables to predict attitudes and behavior.

    “In consumer and marketing research, motives are regularly used as segmentation variables to predict attitudes and behavior [11,12].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [11] Schiffman, L, 2007, Consumer Behavior. 9th edition

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Solomon, MR, 2007, Consumer Behavior: Buying, Selling and Being. 7th edition

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Previous surveys have particularly concentrated on physicians' use of specific media channels (eg, email), their information seeking on the Internet, and the impact of media on medical education.

    “Previous surveys have particularly concentrated on physicians’ use of specific media channels (eg, email) [1], their information seeking on the Internet, and the impact of media on medical education [2,3].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [1] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [3] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A study by Bosslet et al found that about 50% of physicians are pessimistic regarding potential improvements in physician-patient communication, seeing potential threats to patient confidentiality.

    “However, a study by Bosslet et al found that about 50% of physicians are pessimistic regarding potential improvements in physician–patient communication, seeing potential threats to patient confidentiality [36].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [36] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Previous research has demonstrated that physicians often lag behind their patients in their Internet usage and their knowledge of information technologies.

    “Previous research has also demonstrated that physicians often lag behind their patients in their Internet usage [26,29] and their knowledge of information technologies [30].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [26] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [29] Anderson, JG, 2003, J Med Syst source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Motives are goal oriented and make individuals engage in actions to accomplish their goals.

    “They are goal oriented and make individuals engage in actions to accomplish their goals [12].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [12] Solomon, MR, 2007, Consumer Behavior: Buying, Selling and Being. 7th edition

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The distribution of physician segments by specialty is probably related to physicians' target patient groups.

    “This distribution is probably related to physicians’ target patient groups.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: General practitioners treat patients from a broader age range than physicians in other medical fields.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The sample was drawn from a physician e-panel and the survey was conducted using an online questionnaire, so only physicians with Internet access and ability to use the Internet could participate.

    “Our sample was drawn from a physician e-panel, and we conducted the survey by using an online questionnaire. Therefore, only physicians with Internet access and the ability to use the Internet were able to participate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Given the use of an e-panel, it is possible that physicians with more positive attitudes toward the Internet were overrepresented in the sample.

    “Given that we used an e-panel, it is possible that physicians with more positive attitudes toward the Internet were overrepresented in the sample.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The survey did not include questions concerning physicians' Internet literacy, so possible relations between physicians' history of Internet use and user intentions could not be considered.

    “We did not include questions concerning physicians’ Internet literacy in the survey; therefore, we could not consider the possible relations between the physicians’ history of Internet use and user intentions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
41 of 41

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    General practitioners, orthopedists, and dermatologists all treat both acute and chronic diseases, making them comparable for the study's purposes.

    “We chose these particular medical fields because all three types of physician have to treat both acute and chronic diseases, which allowed some comparisons between medical fields.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    General practitioners treat patients from a broader age range than physicians in other medical fields.

    “General practitioners treat patients from a broader age range than do physicians in other medical fields.”
2 of 2

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Internet Critics are not the least frequent professional Internet users

    Minor

    The text says Internet Critics used the Internet for professional activities the least, but their reported 0.87 hours per day exceeds the 0.83 and 0.82 hours reported for two other types.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 41 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. Iverson, Sa, 2008, J Am Osteopath Assoc, 108, 699
  2. Tsai, CC, 2007, AMIA Annu Symp Proc, 1137
  3. Solomon, MR, 2007, Consumer Behavior: Buying, Selling and Being. 7th edition
  4. Manhattan Research LLC20072008-08-04Physicians and Web 2.0: Five Things You Should Know About the Evolving Online Landscape for Physicianshttp://www.manhattanresearch.com/files/PRESS/Physicians_and_Web_2.0_from_Manhattan_Research.pdf5ZpXzYQFN
  5. Giveon, S, 2009, Isr Med Assoc J, 11, 537
  6. Theodoridis, S, 2008, Pattern Recognition. 4th edition
  7. Raab, A, 2009, Marketingforschung: Ein Praxisorientierter Leitfaden

Cited by

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Related

Authors
Moick, M., & Terlutter, R.
Affiliations
University of Klagenfurt (AT)
Corresponding author
Moick, Martina
ORCID
Terlutter, Ralf
Venue
Medicine 2.0
Publisher
JMIR Publications Inc.
Published
2012-07-06
Volume
1
Issue
2
Pages
e2
ISSN
1923-2195 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.2196/med20.1996
PMC
PMC4084769
OpenAlex
W1968588668
Semantic Scholar
119fcb91459ef5efe33cfc7eacd078908db74e79
Cited by
37
References
41
Citations by year
2025: 3 · 2024: 1 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 1
FWCI
6.25
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Medicine 2 0 (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Electronic Health Records Systems
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare
Keywords
physician-patient communication, prescribing patterns, patient information seeking, physician attitudes, physician-patient relationship, health information accuracy, German physicians

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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