Stephan Vom Dahl|Lynne Eagle
Empowering or misleading? Online health information provision challenges
University of Hull|James Cook University
purpose patient empowerment pe key public health policy tool globally seen unproblematic contains number unwarranted assumptions unrecognised challenges achieving effective implementation theoretical foundations understanding impact persuasive health communications pe weak purpose paper review factors highlight major areas concern designmethodologyapproach first assumptions underpinning empowerment implicit theoretical foundations active health information seeking behaviours reviewed followed readability analysis internetbased material relating two general medical conditions four chronic medical conditions six patient information leaflets conducted explore issues relation provision readability online health information findings assumptions underpinning expectations policy makers health organisations regarding active health information seeking shown problematic several potential impediments effective pe implementation including fact almost online material reviewed written language complex majority general public comprehend let alone act practical implications recommendations made guiding information seeking research agenda outlined would aid strengthening theoretical underpinnings expand knowledge thereby help inform practice policy debate regarding pe improved originalityvalue paper contributes understanding challenges effective health communication digital age highlighting need greater understanding online health information seeking impact limited health literacy numeracy