Purpose: This research was conducted to explore the experience of using Internet to solve health problems and to develope a grounded theory. Method: There were 15 subjects in their 30s who had experience using Internet to solve health problems for the...
Purpose: This research was conducted to explore the experience of using Internet to solve health problems and to develope a grounded theory. Method: There were 15 subjects in their 30s who had experience using Internet to solve health problems for themselves and their families. Results: 114 concepts, 31 subcategories, and 9 categories were derived from the analysis by using approaches by Strauss & Corbin. Central phenomenon was “Primary healthcare information” and the core category was “Selecting ways to solve health problems”. The participants’ experiences were conceptualized into two perspectives: reliability of the information and tendency of preference among the sites. Conclusion: All of the processes found on Internet that solved health problems required the assistance of a health professional such as a nurse. It was judged that there are some differences in the degree of usage regarding health-related information, which was primarily in accordance with the confidence and attitude of the user with respect to Internet information. We presented a strategy that could operate with professionals and nonprofessionals. Therefore, we can be satisfied by the fact that this study suggests a complimentary nursing strategy to the healthcare on Internet.