203: The Use of Internet for Children's Health Information By Parents at a Canadian Tertiary Health Institution

Abstract

Background: The use of the Internet to search for medical and health related information is increasing and associated with concerns around quality and safety. We investigated the current use and perceptions of reliable websites for children's health information by parents. Objectives: The objectives of our study were to determine: 1. Patterns of Internet use by parents for their child's health information 2. Types of devices used to access information around child's health 3. Perceived reliability of websites and cross-corroboration of information 4. Future uses of Internet for child's health information Design/Methods: Following institutional ethics approval we conducted a survey of 146 parents/guardians of children presenting for day surgery with a 95% CI and 8% margin of error. A 20-item survey instrument developed and tested by the investigators was administered. Consent for participation in the study was implied by completion of the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results: The majority (143 of 146 [98%]) of parents/guardians used the Internet to search for information around their child's health. Eighty percent of respondents reported using public search engines as their first resource while less than 20% used university/hospital based websites (Figure 1). Common conditions such as colds/flu, skin conditions and fever were the most frequently searched and unique conditions directly affecting the child were second (Figure 2). Despite low usage levels of university/ hospital based websites for child's health information, the majority of parents/ guardians (74%) regarded these as providing safe, accurate and reliable information. In contrast, only 24% of respondents regarded public search engines as providing safe and reliable information. Interestingly 50% of parents/guardians cross-checked information found on the internet with the family physician. Conclusions: An unprecedented majority of parents/guardians are using the internet for their child's health information. Of concern is that parents/guardians are currently not using reliable and safe sources of information. Health care providers should begin to focus on improving access to safe, accurate and reliable information for parents and guardians through various modalities including education, design for multiplatform and incorporation of 'safe seals' and better search engine optimization.