Few physicians encourage e-health for older patients

The Kaiser Family Foundation report also revealed that Internet use among those 50 and older varies greatly by age, income and educational status.

By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. Jan. 31, 2005.

Washington -- Many older patients are honing their computer skills and seeking answers to health questions online, but they are not being encouraged by their physicians to do so, according to a new survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Just 3% of 50- to 64-year-olds and 1% of those older than 65 reported ever having a physician recommend a particular health or medical Web site, according to the report, "E-Health and the Elderly: How Seniors Use the Internet for Health." The report, released at a Jan. 12 briefing, was based on a telephone survey of 1,450 adults.

The power of the Internet is undisputed, and it has become clear from past surveys that seeking health information is a popular online activity. Whether physicians take advantage of this activity may become an increasingly important issue.

Despite a growing amount of reliable health information on the Internet, only 9% of those ages 50 to 64 and 5% of those 65 and older said they had been asked by their physicians if they had access to the Internet or whether they go online.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies and vitamin manufacturers are taking to the Internet to promote their products. Forty-one percent of all 50- to 64-year-olds and 15% of those 65 and older reported receiving e-mails promoting Viagra, supplements and vitamins and other medical products.

The survey also uncovered several digital divides. Specifically, those who were poorer or had less education were much less likely to use the Internet.