The document summarizes trends in online health and medical activity as presented by Lee Rainie from the Pew Internet Project. It finds that 61% of the total US population engages in online health activities, with higher rates for women, younger age groups, and more educated individuals. Common online health activities include getting information about doctors, hospitals, weight loss, and health insurance. Many e-patients also engage with social media related to health issues and review providers and facilities. Around 20% of e-patients participate online through activities like posting comments or reviews.

1. TRENDS IN ONLINE HEALTH MEDICAL ACTIVITY Lee Rainie Director – Pew Internet Project Excerpted slides from presentation to medical librarians 10.27.09

2. Networked Individuals as e-patients 61% of total population – 83% of online population 64% of women; 57% of men 65% of whites; 51% blacks; 44% Hispanics Age 72% of 18-29-year-olds 71% of 30-49-year-olds 59% of 50-64-year-olds 27% of those 65 and older Skews upscale and educated Parents http://e-patients.net/

12. Other e-patient activities 47% of adults have used the internet to get information about doctors or other health professionals 38% have gotten information about hospitals or other medical facilities 33% have gotten information about how to lose or control their weight 27% have gotten information about health insurance 12% have gotten information about how to stay healthy on an overseas trip

13. 60% of e-patients engage with social media 41% have read someone else's commentary or experience about health or medical issues on an online news group, website, or blog. 24% have consulted rankings or reviews online of hospitals/other medical facilities. 24% have consulted rankings or reviews of docs or other providers. 19% have signed up to receive updates about health or medical issues. 13% have listened to a podcast about health or medical issues.

14. 20% of e-patients are e-participators 6% have tagged or categorized content about health issues. 6% have posted comments about health issues in an online discussion, listserv, or other online group forum. 5% have posted comments about health on a blog. 5% have reviewed a doctor. 4% have reviewed a hospital. 4% have shared photos, videos or audio files online about health or medical issues.

16. Thank you! Lee Rainie Director Pew Internet & American Life Project 1615 L Street NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 Email: [email_address] Twitter: http://twitter.com/LRainie 202-419-4500