Health-related use of Internet likely to expand rapidly in Europe By Richard Woodman About 11 percent of Internet users in the European Union bought healthcare products online or as a result of information found online in 2003, according to the market consultancy Frost & Sullivan. In a report on the role of the Internet in healthcare delivery in the EU, the company forecast that more than 120 million patients in Europe would conduct their own healthcare research online by 2008. By the same date, close to 150 million people would go online for information about diet and fitness and just over 30 million would use the Internet to join online self-help groups. The number of patients booking medical appointments online would rise from about five million in 2003 to nearly 50 million in 2008. The report said tight healthcare budgets were pushing governments to explore Internet solutions such as the online self-diagnosis service now being pioneered by Britain's National Health. This service was proving successful and was likely to be replicated in other EU countries. Additionally, governments were expected to use the Internet to disburse items such as repeat prescriptions, particularly products such as contraceptive pills. A common standard for electronic patient records throughout Europe, initiatives to introduce electronic booking systems and connect primary healthcare providers, hospitals and healthcare payers, as well as the rapid adoption of the Internet by private medical groups were all likely to boost Internet use, the report said. Thanks to (Agence de Presse Medicale for Reuters Health), 9/04 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.