How Does the Internet Influence the Doctor–Patient Relationship?

In this chapter, we consider the doctor–patient relationship as classically described. We then consider the impact of the Internet on the doctor–patient relationship in two ways. One way is the consequence of the use of the Internet for videoconferencing; the other is the availability of medical information on the Internet in various forms, so that patients are able to easily access information before or after the consultation, while various websites may even be recommended during the consultation itself. The doctor–patient relationship continues to be central to the practice of medicine; however, the Internet influences it in a number of ways, and it is important that clinicians are aware of these so as to optimize the help given to the patient.