How Web Changes Patient-Doctor Relationship

Immediately following a doctor's diagnosis, nearly half of consumers report using a search engine to further research their alleged conditions, according to a new study conducted by About.com. What is driving this behavior? Disconcertingly, only 35% of consumers say they completely trust their doctor's diagnoses. For better or worse, "the patient-doctor visits are no longer just one way conversations but rather on-going dialogues," the study concludes. "People are going online to educate themselves and confirm doctors' diagnosis."