Digital Engagement in Healthcare: The Influence of Internet Use and Social Media on Messaging Providers, Viewing Test Results, and Scheduling Appointments.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Digital platforms are increasingly used to access health information and healthcare services, yet engagement with online health services varies across individuals. This study examined factors associated with three forms of digital health engagement among U.S. adults: using the Internet to message healthcare providers or their offices, view medical test results, and make medical appointments. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6) were analyzed. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations between the three digital health engagement outcomes and Internet use for health information, social media use for health decision-making, confidence in finding helpful health resources online, trust in the healthcare system, and delayed needed care, while adjusting for selected demographic and health characteristics. Results: Across all three models, respondents who used the Internet to look for health information had substantially higher odds of messaging healthcare providers (AOR = 9.88, 95% CI [7.59, 12.87]), viewing test results (AOR = 14.46, 95% CI [10.80, 19.37]), and making medical appointments online (AOR = 7.38, 95% CI [5.16, 10.54]). Lower confidence in finding helpful health resources online was also associated with lower odds of selected forms of digital health engagement. Delayed needed care was associated with lower odds of viewing test results, while age and race/ethnicity were associated with selected forms of digital engagement. Conclusions: Internet health information seeking and confidence in finding helpful health resources online were consistently associated with engagement in online health services. These findings highlight the importance of prior online health experience and confidence in understanding patterns of digital healthcare engagement and may inform efforts to promote equitable access to and use of online healthcare services.