The internet has become a vital source of information for many people, and the trend towards greater use of information technology in health care decision-making is increasing. In 2003 NICS commissioned the Centre for Evidence Based Practice at the University of Queensland to undertake an evidence-based assessment of effective web-based strategies for changing consumer behaviour.
The review found that there are few quality studies assessing the effectiveness healthcare delivered by the internet. While some interventions have been successfully delivered this way (such as cognitive behavioural therapy), and while there is potential for the internet to increase access to information and some interventions, there are still issues of lack of internet access and the plethora of inaccurate on line information to be considered.
This review was commissioned as part of NICS ongoing work on developing the knowledge base for the science and practice of evidence implementation.
Note - this review is now over three years old and is not considered current by NICS.