A perspective on web-based information for patients with chronic lung disease

Although the majority of patients with a chronic disease obtain information about their condition from a health care professional, medical appointments may not allow sufficient time for educating patients and addressing questions. Internet resources can fill educational gaps and promote knowledge transformation. In a 2010 Pew Research Center report, the presence of a chronic disease increased the likelihood that a person would search online for health information. To provide the best medical care, it is important that health care providers are knowledgeable about medical information on the internet. This Perspective summarizes the major websites that present patient-focused medical information about three common lung diseases-asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These websites can be categorized as those sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, for-profit and nonprofit professional organizations, the National Health Lung and Blood Institute, health care organizations, and patient support groups. In addition, three novel websites about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are described with the ostensible goal of providing user-friendly information with a focus on individual patients. One was developed as a public university-private partnership, whereas the other two were developed by individuals with interest and experience in respiratory diseases-a respiratory therapist and a pulmonologist. The websites described in this perspective, along with numerous other sources, provide medical information for patients with respiratory diseases that offer a marketplace for viewing. Health care professionals can recommend specific websites to patients to complement discussions during the office visit.