Consumers Turn To The Internet!by Compiled by GymLink Austrlaia (Fitness Business Resource)
AUSTRALIA, Monday, 2nd May 2005: The Internet is playing an increasingly important role in consumer health as online searches have become the most common source of health related information for 79% of Internet users, an online survey by leading consumer and market research company ACNielsen has found. The survey, which captured responses from Internet users regarding their perceptions, behaviours and attitudes towards Internet usage for health information and services, found that they were increasingly moving to the Internet and away from traditional sources. "The amount of information available online means that healthcare professionals are no longer the gatekeepers of health-related information," said Rachel Carroll, Associate Director, Client Service, ACNielsen. "We're seeing this translate to more empowered patients who are taking a pro-active role in managing their health and who independently seek health information from a variety of sources, including the Internet. In fact, the vast majority of healthcare professionals we surveyed said that they had had patients present information to them from the Internet in the past 12 months." The frequency of health-related Internet searches had also increased significantly, with 55% of Internet users referring to the Internet on health-related topics at least monthly, up from 46% in 2003. Consumers indicated the types of health websites they visited most were general health and well-being sites (81%) or specific disease sites (57%). Health topics sought over the Internet varied largely by age and also by gender, however, looking across all groups the most commonly searched health topics were medical conditions or disease states (73%; fitness (42%); and pharmaceuticals/ medicines (39%). Doctors were also more likely to refer patients to health-related websites, with 78% of consumers surveyed saying they had been referred to a website by their doctor. However, referrals were much less likely from pharmacists, with only 45% of consumers saying their pharmacist had referred them to a health-related website. "One of the implications of the increased role of the Internet for health purposes is that it is being used more in patient consultations," said Ms Carroll. "Interestingly, this trend appears to be resulting in better communication between healthcare professionals and patients, as well as increasing the knowledge and empowerment of patients to better manage their health." For more information please visit the www.acnielsen.com.au website. Visit Fitness Marketing for ideas on marketing your fitness business. |
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It's time to look at your traditional marketing methods and ask yourself whether or not it's money well spent. With more and more people now searching for their local health & fitness facility using the internet, the
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