An analysis of online messages about probiotics

BMC Gastroenterology

Richard R Sharp²  Mary Beth Mercer¹  Margaret A Brinich¹ 

[1]Department of Bioethics, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid, Ave., JJ60, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

[2]Center for Genetic Research Ethics & Law, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA

关键词: Ethics;    Complementary and alternative medicine;    Doctor-patient communication;    Probiotics;   

Others  :  858244
DOI  :  10.1186/1471-230X-13-5

 received in 2012-06-15, accepted in 2012-12-28,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Internet websites are a resource for patients seeking information about probiotics. We examined a sample of 71 websites presenting probiotic information. We found that descriptions of benefits far outnumbered descriptions of risks and commercial websites presented significantly fewer risks than noncommercial websites. The bias towards the presentation of therapeutic benefits in online content suggests that patients are likely interested in using probiotics and may have unrealistic expectations for therapeutic benefit. Gastroenterologists may find it useful to initiate conversations about probiotics within the context of a comprehensive health management plan and should seek to establish realistic therapeutic expectations with their patients.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Brinich et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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