'The transfer of information through word of mouth is powerful': interpersonal information interactions.

Introduction. This study explored how information mediated by formal (health professionals) and informal (family, friends and others) interpersonal relationships is used and made valuable for personal health management. Findings draw on women's experiences as they responded to, made sense of and used uncertain and evolving health information. Method. Semi-structured interviews with 28 women were conducted using narrative and elicitation approaches. Findings were illuminated by interviews with 12 health professionals. Investigations were rooted in a social constructionist approach and an active, process-oriented view of information seeking. Analysis. Findings were inductively analyzed using directed content analysis and grounded theory's constant comparative approach. NVivo 8TM facilitated analysis. Results. Interpersonal face-to-face interactions provided important opportunities for constructive processes. Meaning and plans for action were created between people; narratives and story-telling helped participants construct sense from their experiences and information seeking. Formal interpersonal contacts were valued for expert medical knowledge; trust and collaborative communication styles mediated participants' confidence in and use of health information from professionals. Sex and gender played a role in women's perception of clinician communication styles. The experiential and biomedical knowledge of informal interpersonal contacts was important to participants; women viewed their experiences through the lens of their mothers' health experiences. Conclusions. Findings situated interpersonal information behaviours as a critical means of constructing meaning and facilitating health management decisions. The study supports channel complementarity theory and has implications for patient-clinician relationships and for relational dimensions mediated by other information environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]