Internet Surpasses Doctors As The Top Source Of Health Information

Main Category: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 12 Oct 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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More U.S. adults used the Internet than doctors to obtain health and medical information over the past year, according to pharmaceutical and healthcare market research company Manhattan Research. This trend represents a noticeable change in consumer behavior from previous years, as doctors have traditionally been the top source of health information.

This finding comes from Cybercitizen(R) Health v8.0, a market research and strategic advisory service focused on how consumers use media and technology for health information and its impact on treatment and product decisions.

"Though doctors remain an essential part of an individual's health management, consumers are increasingly comfortable using the Internet as a research tool for condition and treatment information," said Meredith Abreu Ressi, Vice President of Research at Manhattan Research. "As healthcare coverage -- and even routine visits to the doctor -- becomes less affordable to many Americans, the Internet has emerged as a first line of defense for consumers seeking to manage their healthcare independently."

Pharma DTC Advertising Webinar

Ressi will discuss the impact of this and other trends in the upcoming webinar event, "Is TV Dead? How the New New Media Changes Pharmaceutical DTC Advertising," on October 14th at 11am EST and October 16th at 3pm EST. The webinar will help pharmaceutical and healthcare marketers determine the optimal media mix during a time when marketing efficiency and ROI are especially critical. Ressi will overview key market data and trends from Cybercitizen-Health v8.0. Topics include the evolving consumer use of TV and video; mobile health adoption and trends; reaching patients and caregivers through social media; the effect of online health network mergers on pharma and more.

Register here.

About Cybercitizen® Health v8.0

Cybercitizen® Health was fielded in Q3 2008 among 8,714 U.S. adults (ages 18+). In addition to the data, clients receive strategic deliverables including research reports, client briefings, and access to the Manhattan Research analyst team to answer specific questions. For topics and available therapeutic segmentations (80+), visit http://www.manhattanresearch.com/cch

About Manhattan Research

Manhattan Research, a Decision Resources, Inc. company, is a leading market research and advisory services firm for global pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. For more information, visit http://www.manhattanresearch.com, email sales@manhattanresearch.com or call 1.888.680.0800.

About Decision Resources, Inc.

Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions.

Decision Resources, Inc.