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When Patients Go to "Dr. Google" Before They Go to the Emergency Department

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Approximately one-third of adults search the internet for health information before visiting an emergency department (ED), with 75% encountering inaccurate content. This study examineshow such searches influence patient care. We conducted an observational study of ED visits overa 12-month period, surveying 214 of 576 patients about pre-ED internet use. Data on demographics, comorbidities, acuity, orders, prescriptions, and dispositions were extracted. Patients who searched were typically younger, healthier, and more educated. Most used a general search engine to ask symptom-related questions. Compared to non-searchers, they were less likely to receive lab tests (RR 0.78, p=0.053), imaging(RR 0.75, p=0.094), medications (RR 0.67, p=0.038), oradmission (RR 0.68, p=0.175). They were more likely to leave against medical advice (RR 1.67, p=0.067) and receive opioids (RR 1.56, p=0.151). Findings suggest inaccurate health information may contribute to mismatched expectations and alter ed care delivery.

Source: PubMed

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2510.03329

Authors: Grasso, Michael A, Rogalski, Alexandra, Farrukh, Naveed, Kotal, Anantaa, Calleros, Enrique

Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore, The Ohio State University, The University of Texas at El Paso

Language: English

Topic: Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7131191183

FWCI:

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