Abstract:

The process of individual’s risk perception on medical information can be understood from the perspective of information processing. The influencing factors of risk perception on medical information are categorized into three aspects, namely, the source of medical information, the content and form of medical information, and the subject of information processing. The cognitive mechanism of individual’s risk perception on medical information was discussed based on experience-analysis processing theory and verbatim-gist processing theory. This study recommends increased attention to balance the general and specific studies of risk perception on medical information. Moreover, the standard and specific measurements should be combined, and research in the context of China’s medical system should be expanded. Furthermore, a series of theoretical and empirical research should be developed, and preventive measures and evidence-based supporting policies must be established.

Key words: medical information, risk perception, experience-analysis processing, verbatim-gist processing