The use of the internet by outpatients in dermatology: a multicentric, observational and cross-sectional study on frequency, motivations and feedback

Nowadays the Internet and Medicine are closely linked. However, there is a lack of evidence about the attitude for the Internet consultation among dermatological patients. The aim of this study was to describe the use of the Internet in dermatological outpatients. A questionnaire was administered to 4002 consecutive dermatological outpatients in five different Italian centres. The frequency, expectations, motivations and findings of the online research were investigated, also in relation to demographic, social and clinical characteristics of the patients enrolled. The use of the Internet resulted widespread in dermatological outpatients, especially in young and highly educated and in those suffering from diseases burdened by high social impact. Easy handling appears to be the main reason of use. Online research has rarely been reassuring, sometimes frightening and more often unsatisfactory. The doctor's role is critical in directing the patient into the vast and potentially dangerous world wide web.