Role of the internet in communication between patient and surgeon before rhinoplasty

Abstract

Our aim was to assess the use of the internet for patients considering rhinoplasty, to identify the influence of the medical information acquired, and to review favourable and adverse aspects of the acquired knowledge online. A prospective study was conducted on 106 patients listed for post-traumatic or aesthetic rhinoplasty. We surveyed 18 questions to evaluate demographic and sociological data, and the importance of the information acquired from the internet. Respondents searched online for description of operations, contact with other patients, and with the surgeon, and for preoperative and postoperative pictures. Patients who were considering aesthetic rhinoplasty were given medical information by a third party or from the internet, and those who were having post-traumatic corrections were usually referred by their general practitioner. We conclude that the internet is an important source of medical information about rhinoplasty for patients, but it does not contain enough data. It plays an essential part, particularly for those patients having the operation for aesthetic reasons, in contrast to those having post-traumatic correction. Reviewing and certifying the plastic surgical websites would validate certified services. Independent, direct contact with the doctor helps patients to obtain more accurate, personalised knowledge. In addition, surgeons should support patients by giving them a list of verified websites, which would contribute to increased doctor-patient communication.