Conceptualising health information seeking behaviours and exploratory search: result of a qualitative study

Abstract

The Internet has become an important source of health information for many people, including non-medical experts. While much health information is provided through the Internet, such information is often spread across multiple websites and providers. With the decentralised nature of the Internet, people are often unable to access health information at a single point, and thus extra efforts are needed for seeking information with search engines. The information seeking process is a crucial step for obtaining the needed health information. According to prior research, seekers apply an exploratory approach in the information seeking process of healthrelated topics. Although information seeking behaviours have been studied extensively in past research, few details specifically about information seeking in the health context can be found. This paper reports on a qualitative study that investigates the information needs and behaviours of health information seekers. Based on the results of the study, we present a model conceptualising health information seeking behaviours as well as the characteristics of the exploratory search approach observed in the health information seeking process.

Designing Health Websites Based on Users’ Web-Based Information-Seeking Behaviors: A Mixed-Method Observational Study

“…Research has proposed to use user-centered design for eHealth technologies and informational websites [22,23]. In our prior work [17-19], we have conceptualized both the search approaches used in health information seeking and the health information–seeking behaviors demonstrated by different seekers. We have learnt that seekers adopt differing search approaches for different scenarios, and thus, the selected search approach affects the actual health information–seeking behavior.…”

“…Exploratory seekers often are unfamiliar with the knowledge domain and feel unsure about the search goal [24,26]. In these cases, exploratory search often arises, along with an unclear search target, as well as a wider and sparse search scope [17,19], as illustrated in Figure 1. Exploratory search also introduces learning and investigative activities beyond simply finding particular information [25], to clarify the problem and gain an overview of the situation [17].…”

“…As discussed in prior work, one of the reasons behind these problems is that the design of health websites does not address the needs of health information seekers [16-19]. Depending on the specific scenario, seekers may demonstrate either focused or exploratory search approach in the information seeking process [17,20,21].…”

“…Depending on the specific scenario, seekers may demonstrate either focused or exploratory search approach in the information seeking process [17,20,21]. With different search approaches, seekers use different strategies to find information, which need to be supported with features such as tools for exploratory search, reading-friendly user interface, and memory aids for reviewed information [19]. These features or considerations are often missing in the design of health websites and health information–seeking apps.…”

“…The design is based on the conceptualization of search approaches and a classification of health information–seeking behaviors [19]. In this paper, we aim to investigate what improvements can be made to the current tools for health information seeking, by using BHX as the vehicle of a human-based evaluation.…”