Fed: Parents surf the net to help sick kids: Study

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2006
Fed: Parents surf the net to help sick kids: Study

A new study says an alarming number of Australian parents turn to the internet for
medical advice .. when their child is sick.

And they're not just reading .. with up to 20 per cent altering treatment decisions
based on what they find.

The Sydney Children's Hospital's found of 294 sets of parents with sick children surveyed
.. 64 per cent said they went online for medical information.

Researcher Dr BRYNN WAINSTEIN says while the internet can be a helpful tool for additional
information .. people shouldn't rely on it too heavily.

He says people need to discuss whatever information they get with their doctor.

The good news is .. the study found 88 per cent of parents and patients still trust
their doctor more than the internet.

AAP RTV tam/wf/bart

KEYWORD: INTERNET (SYDNEY)

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