Searching for patient information in Internet resources by nursing and midwifery students

Introduction The phenomenon of patient targeted googling (PTG) is present not only among health care professionals, but also among medical students. Given the complexity of the issue, there is a need to undertake research that captures its multifaceted nature. The paper presents an excerpt of results from the project ‘Internet as a source of patient information.’ Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PTG phenomenon among nursing and midwifery students. Material and methods The survey was conducted among 153 students using a diagnostic survey method based on the author’s questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out based on PQStat v. 1.8.4.142. Results and discussion More than half of the students confirmed searching for information about patients several times a year, mainly through Facebook, mostly out of curiosity, a desire to get to know the patient better, to help them, to understand their behavior as well as their outward appearance and presented behavior. Information rated as relevant was shared with all members of the treatment team. The students pointed out the positive aspects of PTG, but searching for information about the patient without informing, in their opinion, mainly violates the principles of informed consent, privacy, professionalism and trust. The respondents advocated the need for training in this area and reported knowledge deficits in legal and ethical issues relating to PTG. Conclusions The PTG phenomenon is present among nursing and midwifery students.