Talking about Dr. Google: Communication strategies used by nurse practitioners and patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the Netherlands to discuss online health information.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores how patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in the Netherlands communicate about online health information-seeking. METHODS: We analyzed 165 consultations of patients at the start of maintenance treatment using grounded theory. Consultations in which the words; internet, website, Google, Googled, webpages, online (forum/blog/platform) or a website was mentioned, were included. Segments were identified and analyzed that represented a discussion about online health information-seeking (n = 87). We coded the initiator, initiation and reaction communication strategy. RESULTS: Half of the sample was female, most patients were moderately to highly educated and aged on average 48 years. One third of the consultations included a discussion about online health information-seeking. Seventeen communication initiation and reactions strategies were identified. Patients and NPs were equally as likely to initiate a neutral discussion about online health information-seeking. Patients repeatedly reacted with disclosing their concerns. NPs responded by taking patients' online health information-seeking seriously or affirming patients' beliefs. CONCLUSION: This exploration makes a unique contribution by demonstrating that NPs particularly adopt a patient-centered communication style while communicating about patients' online health information-seeking. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Results of this study could guide interventions to train providers in talking about patients' online health information-seeking.