Virtual Health Assistant

The Internet has long served as a valuable source of medical information for both patients and healthcare professionals. In recent years, its role has expanded beyond just data access to include direct, private interactions between patients and doctors. The overall aim of this thesis was to cast light on the new phenomenon of Internet-based medical consultation. This was approached by studies of the use of an Ask the Doctor service, by a web survey to the users who sent enquiries to the service, and by a questionnaire to the answering physicians regarding their respective experiences with the service. This study includes a comprehensive review of the literature on online medical consultation from various academic databases, along with insights drawn from published surveys and reports. According to this body of work, the main factors contributing to the rapid adoption of online consultations include convenience, evolving patterns of illness, affordability, enhanced privacy, and the accessibility of second opinions. Physicians have also noted benefits, such as reduced patient load in clinics, more structured communication, and better recordkeeping through integrated digital tools. These insights underline the importance of continuous development and regulation in the field of online medical services to ensure both quality of care and patient safety.