Sources of Healthcare Information that Patients Use

My participants focused their photos on the sources of healthcare information they use in relation to switching , including books, the internet, family and friends, and their doctors and nurses. They mainly used the internet as their primary source of health information.

BOOKS

Only one participant, Emma, discussed using print books as sources for her health information.

Emma

Emma uses specific books to answer her health-related questions. She mainly bases her eating and exercise habits on the books from her coffee table.

INTERNET

All of my participants used the internet as a primary source for their health information, relying on websites such as WebMD.

Robert

Robert used Google to search for more information about hypothyroidism after he was diagnosed, as well as other symptoms he experiences.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

My participants turned to people they trust in their lives for health information, which can influence their health decisions such as going to the doctor.

Emma

Emma turned to her Aunt Amanda, a nurse, to find more information about symptoms she experienced.

DOCTORS, NURSES AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

My participants relied on their doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to give them information about their health and health conditions.

Ashley

Ashley tried eating different amounts of calories until she found the right amount for her weight-loss needs. She explained that visiting her doctor gave her guidance and affirmation about her methods of weight-loss and overall health.

It really does help because if I look online I feel like all the emphasis is on weight-loss, but when I go to the doctor, like, they regularly tell me that my blood pressure is great and, like, your blood count's great, like, everything's great.