Cyberdocs may not be good for your health

Gunther.Eysenbach@derma.med.uni-erlangen.de

In a Research Letter in this week's Lancet Volume 352, Number 9139 7 November 1998, doctors in Germany point to potential pitfalls for patients seeking advice from doctors via the internet-so-called cyberdocs. Gunther Eysenbach and Thomas Diepgen sent a fictitious request to ten free and seven charging cyberdocs (all based in the USA), for diagnosis and treatment of a potentially life-threatening rash. Of the seven who responded, five gave accurate advice. Worryingly, two did not. The correct diagnosis was herpes zoster infection in an immunocompromised person, requiring immediate treatment with acyclovir. Two cyberdocs responded: one with advice to take a homeopathic remedy and vitamin C ($25 charged to the inquirer), to have two good bowel movements a day, to eat two apples, and to drink warm water; the other cyberdoc's advice was to eat red clover and dandelion (free). The investigators call for procedures to prevent "quacks and non-medically trained healers offering dubious health advice on the internet".

Contact Dr G Eysenbach, Department of Public Health, Cybermedicine and Dermatoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, e-mail ey@yi.com

http://www.thelancet.com/newlancet/reg/issues/vol352no9139/body.pressrelease.html#cyberdocsmaynotbegoodforyourhealthp1526

http://www.thelancet.com/newlancet/reg/issues/vol352no9139/research1526.html

http://www.thelancet.com/newlancet/reg/issues/vol352no9139/talk.html Cite as:
Eysenbach G, Diepgen TL. Evaluation of Cyberdocs. Lancet 1998; 352 (9139): 1526