Improving health : Patient education resources on the Internet

Abstract

The Internet provides a ready source of patient education handouts specific to certain diseases or conditions. Patients and consumers can obtain clear, concise, and reliable information about their diseases or conditions and follow-up instructions for procedures and treatments. Patient education on the Internet can support patients or consumers in making informed health care decisions. Available day and night, patients can access this information at their convenience when they are most interested in learning. Included in this article are selected and annotated resources for locating patient education materials. Also included are Internet sites to locate materials for low literacy patient education.