Objective: To evaluate the real-time usage of krankheitserfahrungen.de, a website providing scientifically collected and analyzed experiences of persons with various chronic illnesses.
Methods: Web analytics of website use of www.krankheitserfahrungen.de in 2016. Qualitative content analysis of the 150 most and least opened video/audio clip titles in 2018-19.
Results: In 2016, krankheitserfahrungen.de had 19,703 unique visits, of which 3925 were returning visits. Between new and returning visits, the latter were characterized by more actions and more time spent on the website. Thematic pages were clicked more often during new visits and person pages were more frequented during returning visits. In 2018-19, video/audio clip titles related to topics around uncertainties and/or decision making were most often clicked, whereas the least clicked clips dealt with topics like illness management, problem-solving, giving advice to others and emotionally difficult topics such as suffering, death and burden for the family.
Conclusion: A website with balanced, scientifically collected and analyzed patient experiences attracts a sufficient number of users and is used for further explorations.
Practice implications: Using multiple formats, broad topics and diverse personal experiences being accessible through themes or persons is necessary when a scientifically based website on patients' experiences is designed.
Keywords: Health information online; Internet; Patient experiences; Qualitative content analysis; Web analytics; Website use.
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