Trust and Access: Eye Information-seeking Practices and Preferences among Canadians

Abstract

Significance This study highlights the value that the public places on obtaining trusted and accessible health-related information and their preference for obtaining it from their healthcare practitioners. Previous research has not been specific to Canadians or vision. Findings can be used to increase eye health literacy and eye care utilization. Purpose Canadians underutilize eye care and underestimate the occurrence of asymptomatic eye disease. This study explored eye information seeking practices and preferences among a group of Canadians. Methods Using snowball sampling, a 28-item online survey collected respondent perceptions about their eye and health information seeking practices and preferences. Questions examined electronic device access, information source use, and demographics. Two open-ended questions examined information seeking practices and preferences. Respondents were at least 18 years old and living in Canada. Individuals working in eye care were excluded. Response frequencies and Z scores were computed. Written comments were assessed using content analysis. Results Respondents searched for less eye than health information (Z scores ≥ 2.25, P < .05). For eye and health information, primary care providers were the used and preferred source, and reliance on internet searches was greater than desired. Trust and access drove information seeking practices. Respondent comments suggested a hierarchy of trust operates across My Health Team, My Network, and My External Sources, with a persistent threat posed by Discredited Sources. Access to information sources appeared mediated by enablers (Convenience and Accessible Features) and barriers (Unreachable Health Team and Absent Systems). Eye information was seen as more specialized and harder to find. There was a high regard for healthcare practitioners who provide their patients with curated trusted information. Conclusions These Canadians value trusted and accessible health-related information. They prefer eye and health information from their healthcare practitioners and value when their health team provides online curated information, particularly regarding eyes.