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Health Informatics Journal
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What's this?

Patient information needs: pre- and post-consultation

Simon J. Attfield

UCLIC Remax House, 31–32 Alfred Place, London, WC1E 7DP, UK s.attfield{at}cs.ucl.ac.uk

Anne Adams

UCLICa.adams{at}cs.ucl.ac.uk

Ann Blandford

UCLICa.blandford{at}cs.ucl.ac.uk

This paper presents findings from a study of information seeking behaviour by National Health Service patients which explored motivational triggers for infor- mation needs. Previous research has highlighted the importance of contextual elements in users' changing information needs. This paper highlights how those needs may centre on specific events: in particular, a patient's consultation with their doctor. Patients initiate information seeking to assess whether they need clinical intervention, in preparation for the patient–doctor consultation and to verify the diagnosis or treatment stemming from that consultation. The study has revealed that having confidence in health practitioners is one key motiva- tion for information seeking. Another is a desire to use health service resources judiciously, efficiently and effectively.

Key Words: digital libraries • health information • information needs • patients • user study

Health Informatics Journal, Vol. 12, No. 2, 165-177 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1460458206063811
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