Paging Dr. Google: The Effect of Online Health Information on Trust in Pediatricians' Diagnoses.

This study investigates how parental trust in physician diagnoses and likelihood of seeking a second opinion (SO) are affected by Internet sources. In an anonymous survey, 1374 parents of minors viewed a vignette describing their child's symptoms followed by Internet results that either supported or contradicted the pediatrician's diagnosis (Dx). A control group did not view any Internet results. After learning the Dx, participants rated trust in the Dx and likelihood of seeking a SO on a 7-point Likert-type scale. Participants who viewed contradicting results were less likely to trust the Dx ( P < .001) and more likely to seek a SO than the control ( P < .001). Participants who viewed supporting results were more likely to trust the Dx ( P < .001) and less likely to seek a SO than the control ( P < .001). Physicians must be aware of the influence the Internet may have on patients' trust.

Chew on This: Not All First Finger Foods Are Created Equal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends when to start first finger foods (FFFs) and what types of foods to start with, but it is unclear whether products marketed as FFF comply with these recommendations. We evaluated FFF products for compliance with AAP recommendations and product safety using 41 adult product testers, who were asked to dissolve each product in their mouth. Product characteristics, comments pertaining to product safety, and time to dissolve each product were recorded. Only 2 products met all AAP criteria, and safety concerns were raised for an additional 2 products. One product showed a large change in dissolvability after being left out of original packaging. Consumers should not assume that products marketed for infant/toddler consumption comply with AAP recommendations. Also, products left out of original packaging may change consistency, presenting a choking hazard. Additional research is warranted to guide the development of regulations surrounding labeling and marketing of these foods.