Changes in National Google Trends and Local Healthcare Utilization After High-Impact Gastroenterology Publications.

INTRODUCTION We examined national Google Trends and local healthcare utilization after 3 high-impact gastroenterology publications. METHODS Changes in US Google Trends and Olmsted County health utilization were studied. RESULTS Publication views within 30 days were 51,458 (Imperiale), 49,759 (Pimentel), and 18,750 (Gomm). Colonoscopy searches (P = 0.04) and Cologuard tests performed (P < 0.01) increased while colonoscopies decreased (P < 0.01). Searches for rifaximin (P = 0.05), irritable bowel syndrome (P < 0.01), diarrhea (P < 0.01), and rifaximin prescriptions (P = 0.02) increased. Increase in hydrogen-2 blocker searches (P = 0.02) and prescriptions (P < 0.01) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (P < 0.01) and dementia office visits (P < 0.01) occurred. DISCUSSION High-impact gastroenterology publications influence Google searches and local population-based healthcare utilization.