The Impact of internet use on the Client-professional relationship: A comparative analysis

This study explores how internet use impacts the client–professional relationship among midwives compared to related professions. Thirty health professionals in Denmark and Norway took part in nine focus group interviews. A template approach was used to analyse data. Findings indicate that clients use the internet to prepare for the client-professional meeting and to seek second opinions. Professionals reported more limitations than benefits in relation to internet use. Limitations were linked to doubts of reliability of internet information and information overload. Midwifery clients were reported to use internet chatrooms as an information source. However, these were often perceived as interfering with midwifery work. Although midwifery clients were frequent users of internet information, they also turned to midwives for verification of the information they found. Seeking reassurance and the midwives distinctions between lay and professional knowledge suggests that the traditional client–professional relation is still intact.