Background. This study was designed to determine patterns of patient Internet use and to define socioeconomic and other barriers that affect such use.
Methods. A 44-item questionnaire was distributed to patients seen in the transplant clinic during April 2001.
Results. A total of 170 patients completed the questionnaire. Fifty-six percent had access to the web. Seventy-two (42%) were African American, and 85 (50%) were Caucasian. Internet use was higher among Caucasian patients, but education level had the strongest correlation. Seventy-three percent of patients with a college education had Internet access compared with 38% of patients with a high school diploma. Twenty-two percent of patients used the Internet to find information about their doctor, and 35% searched for transplant survival results.
Conclusions. Patients use the Internet to find information about their doctors and results of transplantation and other treatments. Physicians should consider establishing guidelines for use of Internet services by patients for education and communication.