Evaluating the process of online health information searching: a qualitative approach to exploring consumer perspectives.

Background: The Internet is a common resource that patients and consumers use to access health-related information. Multiple practical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors influence why, when, and how people utilize this tool. Improving the delivery of health-related information necessitates a thorough understanding of users' searching-related needs, preferences, and experiences.

Incorporating expert terminology and disease risk factors into consumer health vocabularies.

It is well-known that the general health information seeking lay-person, regardless of his/her education, cultural background, and economic status, is not as familiar with-or comfortable using-the technical terms commonly used by healthcare professionals. One of the primary reasons for this is due to the differences in perspectives and understanding of the vocabulary used by patients and providers even when referring to the same health concept. To bridge this "knowledge gap," consumer health vocabularies are presented as a solution.