A survey commissioned by non-profit association Epilepsy Action Australia found just 47 per cent of respondents rated a visit to the doctor as their preferred way of getting information or training about health conditions.
This compared to 62 per cent who said they preferred going online, 40 per cent who favoured community groups as an information source and 31 per cent who visited libraries.
Nine out of 10 respondents said they would consider taking an online course about a health condition if a loved one were diagnosed.
Epilepsy Action CEO Carol Ireland said on Wednesday the research had prompted her organisation to launch a new tool, Online Academy, to help educate community about epilepsy.
"Many people living with epilepsy in rural areas simply have not had access to specialist support in their local community," she said in a statement.
"Our research shows that community groups providing educational resources must be prepared to provide online education and training if they are to remain relevant."
Epilepsy Action added the roll-out of the National Broadband Network would be critical in helping Australians, particularly in rural and regional areas, to take full advantage of online healthcare services.
For further information visit: http://www.epilepsy.org.au/
__small.png)
