More consumers managing conditions with online resources

Consumers are increasingly turning to health websites and other online tools to gather information and manage their conditions and treatments, according to a study published by healthcare market research and advisory firm Manhattan Research.

Forty-five percent of online U.S. adults with a chronic condition say that the internet is critical to managing their disease or condition and 44 percent of such consumers agree that online content and services impact their health and medical decision-making, the study found.

Consumers “are going beyond seeking information to using tools and services to manage the day-to-day aspects of care. That's good news in this post-healthcare reform environment, in which digital engagement of consumers for example via patient portals and telehealth will be a key to success,” said Rory Stanton, consumer insights analyst, Manhattan Research, in a statement.

More information on the report is accessible here.