MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: THE PERSPECTIVE OF DOCTORS ON PATIENTS WHO SEEK INFORMATION ONLINE IN CAMPO GRANDE - MS

Abstract

This study evaluated how Primary Care physicians working in Family Health Units (FHU) in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, deal with patients who seek health information on the internet before, during, or after consultations. The objective was to analyze the perception of these professionals about the impact of these practices on the doctor-patient relationship, on the conduct of consultations and on clinical decisions. The research is cross-sectional and quantitative, with data collection carried out through an online questionnaire in May 2024. The sample consisted of 33 physicians distributed in seven health districts of the city. The analysis was performed with the aid of Microsoft Excel software (version 2010). The study sought to understand whether the information brought by patients contributes to clinical dialogue or generates conflicts, and how physicians evaluate the quality of this information. Considering the growth in the use of the internet and social networks as sources of health information, the research also discussed the challenges and opportunities that this scenario presents for the SUS and for medical practice in the USFs.