A major trend for medical advice, given the growing trend of sick patients living longer, is to look for advice on the web from sources such as HEALTHPAD, etc, I am now intrigued by the comparative effectiveness of those sources of MEDICAL help.

I am wondering on serious research that would compare,let us say, 100 patients with a serious flu or stomach infection, and put them in a situation to consult an actual physician face to face and 3 or 5 web medical advice places and then compare the results of the advice . 

My last book was on orgnizational culture in clinics and hospitals. Now I am asking what if the local culture is taken away (can it be done?) and we look for medical advice  outside the brick and mortar locations.

Any advice of reserach on this topics is WELCOME.

I am fully aware that the results might be contradictory in many cases or fully wrong methodologies in others.  But this is a topic of huge implications for every and all countries health systems.

Please advice with your views but more important with serious research citations on this techno-social topic. Probably one with major social implications.

MUCHAS GRACIAS AMIGOS