Online consumer health information organization: Users' perspectives on faceted navigation

We investigate facets of online health information that are preferred, easy-to-use and useful in accessing online consumer health information from a user's perspective. In this study, the existing classification structure of 20 top ranked consumer health information websites in South Korea were analyzed, and nine facets that are used in organizing health information in those websites were identified. Based on the identified facets, an online survey, which asked participants' preferences for as well as perceived ease-of-use and usefulness of each facet in accessing online health information, was conducted. The analysis of the survey results showed that among the nine facets, the "diseases & conditions" and "body part" facets were most preferred, and perceived as easy-to-use and useful in accessing online health information. In contrast, "age," "gender," and "alternative medicine" facets were perceived as relatively less preferred, easy-to-use and useful. This research study has direct implications for organization and design of health information websites in that it suggests facets to include and avoid in organizing and providing access points to online health information.