Source of medical information and behavioral seeking patterns in patients affected with Friedreich's ataxia and their caregivers: a survey study

The aim of this study was to improve the quality of the information for FRDA patients and caregivers and suggest a possible tool to spread this information. Thirty-four FRDA patients and 45 caregivers were interviewed separately using a structured self-administered survey about their information-seeking behavior, their level of expectation and satisfaction for the information received, and the need for further information. For patients and caregivers, the main source of information was the FRDA specialist and the media. The most searched items were "general information"; patients and particularly caregivers desired to get more information on existing and experimental therapies. Adequate information supply is part of good medical care; therefore, a deeper insight of clinicians in information-seeking behavior of FRDA patients and caregivers would provide tailored information and improve therapeutic alliance.

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