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Adverse events database to collect evidence of possible harm caused by the Internet

From the Database of Adverse Events Related to the Internet (DAERI)

Much has been written, commented and speculated about the variable information quality of information found on the Internet and the presumed impact of the Internet on patients. Other issues discussed in the medical community include the assumed harmful effects of Internet prescribing of Rx drugs or medical consulting in the absence of a pre-existing face-to-face patient–physician relationship, the negative impact of pornographic (and other 'adult') material on minors, the addictive potential of the Internet, or the potential of the Internet to promote suicide. However, very little evidence is available on how well founded these concerns are.

The Database of Adverse Events Related to the Internet (DAERI), a project initiated by the Dept of Clinical Social Medicine, Unit for Cybermedicine & E-health at the University of Heidelberg, is a first attempt to systematically collect the 'evidence' in form of case studies on possible harm caused by the Internet.

By putting up this database we are *not* implying that the Internet is harmful to patients or the patient–physician relationship — on the contrary, we think that the positive effects on consumer health may well outweigh the negative effects. However, as researchers, we think it is our duty to collect and assess the evidence, and then to reach conclusions. We need qualitative data in order to suggest measures which may minimize the risks involved in using the Internet by consumers for health information. We also need this data to suggest and conduct systematic and experimental studies investigating possible problems related to the Internet in detail and to quantify (investigate the prevalence) of possible problems.

We hope that the database will be filled by case studies from physicians about patients who have been 'harmed' by Internet information or services.

Case studies may include:

• case descriptions of patients who have been harmed (psychologically or physically) by misinformation on the Internet
• patients who have misinterpreted information on the Internet
• seeing a physician too late because of Internet research or Internet diagnosis
• patients who misdiagnosed themselves or received a wrong diagnosis on the Internet
• patients who consulted their physicians recurrently or needlessly due to Internet searches ('cyberhypochondria')
• patients who ordered drugs or products, which have been harmful for their health
• patients who attempted or committed suicide due to the visit of websites or newsgroups containing suicide instructions

To submit a case, fill in the brief questionnaire. All data must be anonymised/pseudonymised and patient names must be stripped/blackened from all documents.

As a small honorarium we will pay 50 Euro per documented case to the submitting physician or healthcare professional.

General feedback about this project or thoughts about possible collaboration are also welcome

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