"Infodemic's Impact on Patient Behaviour and Stroke Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Internet Searches and Clinical Data

Abstract

Background and Purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the quality of information the public receives and searches. The rapid and far-reaching spread of both accurate and inaccurate information about COVID-19 has been defined as an "infodemic" by the World Health Organization (WHO). Inaccurate information can lead to delays in seeking medical help, which is particularly concerning for stroke patients who require early intervention.

Aim. The study aimed to analyse the correlation between the incidence of reperfusion therapies at a tertiary stroke centre and active searches by internet users for negative information about the condition of the healthcare system and stroke treatment possibilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Methods consisted of clinical data of patients who underwent reperfusion therapies in tertiary stroke centre compared to data collected from the Internet using Google Trends^TM.

Results. The significant decrease in reperfusion therapies conducted during first month of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been resolved. It was accompanied by a significant increase in interest in topics related to the poor epidemiological situation in the country. However, significant direct correlations between the active search for information on the Internet and the clinical characteristic of patients were not observed. 

Conclusions: The number of stroke patients receiving the best quality treatment

significantly decreases, at the same time period when the epidemiological situation creates an active search for negative information on the Internet. This coincidence, arguably, has no direct cause - effect relationship, although it may be presumed accurate and timely information dissemination during a pandemic, particularly for stroke patients who require urgent medical attention, could reduce health-related harm.