When and in what circumstances is Patient-Targeted Googling acceptable for health and social care professionals? A narrative review and thematic analysis

Ryan-Blackwell, Gemma; Jessica, Jackson and Haider, Sharif (2024). When and in what circumstances is Patient-Targeted Googling acceptable for health and social care professionals? A narrative review and thematic analysis. Health Informatics Journal, 30(3) pp. 1–14.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14604582241285756

Abstract

Background:
Patient-targeted Googling (PTG) is the use of internet search engines by care professionals to source information about their patients.
Objective:
To thematically analyse research evidence on PTG and explain what, why and how it can be used for the benefit of patient care.
Methods:
The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review articles was used as a reporting tool. Studies were identified via AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE and APA PsycInfo, ProQuest, and grey literature via Google Scholar.
Results:
Nineteen studies were included, and content was thematically analysed. Themes included practitioner behaviours, attitudes and experience, the nature of online information, when PTG is not acceptable, when, why and how is PTG acceptable and the need for education and training on PTG.
Discussion & conclusion:
In the absence of professional guidance, it makes practical recommendations about why and in what circumstances can use patient-targeted Googling for the benefit of patient care.

Viewing alternatives

Metrics

Item Actions

Export

You can export this page using these formats Digital Object Identifier - DOI