Patterns of online information use prior to middle-ear surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify what proportion of middle-ear surgery patients utilise the internet for information and to characterise which resources and media formats are used and for what durations.

METHOD

A single-arm, retrospective cohort study was performed using an online survey of English-speaking patients who underwent middle-ear surgery over a three-year period across two otology practices.

RESULTS

Of 260 invitees, 165 responded. A total of 122 used online resources: 9.8 per cent used online resources for less than 15 minutes, 27.0 per cent used them for 15 to 29 minutes, 27.0 per cent used them for 30 to 59 minutes and 36.1 per cent used them for 60 minutes or more. Of online users with complete responses (108 of 122), the most used resources (used for 12 minutes or more) were: written information (73.1 per cent); surgeons' websites (55.6 per cent); pictures, diagrams or photos (42.6 per cent); videos (37.0 per cent); and social media (10.2 per cent).

CONCLUSION

At least 46.9 per cent of patients undergoing elective ear surgery use online resources. Most time is spent using written information, pictures, diagrams, photos and videos. Therefore, it is increasingly essential that accurate and informative resources in these formats are readily available online.