THE internet has given us greater access to a wealth of information.

We can usually find answers to our questions by tapping into the technology which helps us to run our lives, so it's hardly surprising that many of us try to self-diagnose our aches and pains online to avoid making time to visit our local pharmacy or GP.

Research published in the UK Digital Health Report, created by on-demand video GP service PushDoctor.co.uk, reveals that 21.8 per cent of people have chosen to diagnose their symptoms on the web because they were unable to get a doctor's appointment or because their GP wasn't available quickly enough.

The report suggests the UK is becoming a nation of impatient patients who are not willing to change plans to accommodate appointments to see their GP.

When asked what they would not be prepared to cancel in order to fit in a doctor's appointment for a health issue causing them 'moderate concern,' 47 per cent literally weren't prepared to get out of bed, saying that they wouldn't miss the opportunity of a lie in to see their doctor.

Fifty per cent wouldn't cancel a gym session, 46 per cent would keep arrangements to meet friends for lunch and 38 per cent wouldn't even be prepared to re-arrange plans for a shopping trip.

The report also reveals that the internet is now the first place people go for advice when starting to feel unwell, more so than their partner or a medical professional. This is true for all age groups under 65.

Analysis of data from 61 million UK internet searches for 160 leading health issues, reveals the trend for self-diagnosis is on the rise, up 19 per cent over the last 12 months (an average of an extra 848,000 searches each month).

The top 10 most common health searches reveals back pain, diarrhoea and depression.

Dr Adam Simon, chief medical officer at PushDoctor.co.uk says: "The findings indicate the extent to which people are now using technology to manage their health.

"As well as health searches being on the rise, 58 per cent of people now actively use technology to manage their health and wellbeing on a daily basis. Twenty two per cent use devices to monitor exercise and activity, 15 per cent use technology to track their daily calorie intake and 12 per cent to monitor sleep quality.

"People feel good about how technology is helping them to keep track of their health. Seventy per cent of people say that new technology helps them feel more in control or more aware of how to manage their health and wellbeing."

However, Dr Simon warns about self-diagnosis becoming the norm. "Healthcare providers need to find ways to stay relevant to patients who are getting used to 'always-on' services in other aspects of their lives.

"Our service, PushDoctor.co.uk, is the leading primary care innovator enabling patients to book online video appointments with one of over 7,000 GMC-registered UK GPs in minutes; at a time that suits them, so that patients can deal with issues they are facing straight away, rather than ignore them and see them get worse.

"The kind of flexibility that PushDoctor.co.uk delivers is essential for the majority of people who are too busy to find the time to deal with their health concerns, but who need to. Early prevention and issue management are key issues in the UK's health eco-system, and PushDoctor.co.uk will play a huge part in helping to deliver this for patients."

Dr Chris Harris, NHS Bradford Districts CCG’s clinical board member, said: “We are keen that local people are well informed about their health and the use of the internet plays a valuable part in this.

“We encourage people to use creditable sites such as NHS Choices and, for example, the Bradford’s Healthy Hearts programme will soon have a website in place for people to access specialist advice and information from GP and hospital specialists with links to trusted sites for information. Bradford City CCG’s website also has information about the Bradford Beating Diabetes campaign, with relevant health advice.

“Expert help and health advice is available from local pharmacists or, if it’s urgent, NHS 111 or your GP practice. It’s important to always get any unusual signs and symptoms checked out by a health professional.”