Evaluating Health Information Online
Many people search online to find information about medical problems and health issues. However, not all health information on the internet is of equal quality. How do you find websites that are accurate and reliable? The following questions may help when you look at a health-related website:
* Who is responsible for the content? Is it a government agency(. gov), national nonprofit organization, or professional association? An individual? A commercial organization?
* Who wrote the information? If you are reading an article or blog, what are the author’ s credentials? Is the author affiliated with any major medical institutions or with a specific product?
* Who reviews the material? Is there a medical or scientific advisory board that reads the medical content before it is made available to the public?
* Are sources cited for the statistical information? For example, it’ s easy enough to say“ four out of five doctors agree...” but where did that statistic come from?
* Is the purpose and goal of the sponsoring organization clearly stated?
* Is there a way to contact the sponsor for more information or to verify information presented?
* Is the site supported by public funds or donations? If it includes advertisements, are they separate from the content?
* When was the information written? Because health information can become outdated quickly, it’ s important to know the source and date for the information.
* Does the site have a clear privacy policy? If you must register, is it clear how your personal information will be used?
* Is the website trying to sell you something or promising quick cures?
Remember to talk with your doctor about what you’ ve learned online.
For more information about evaluating health information online, see NIA’ s Online Health Information: Is It Reliable? at www. nia. nih. gov / health / online-health-information-it-reliable.
Summary
Making Decisions With Your Doctor
• Ask about different treatment options, including clinical trials.
• Ask about prevention.
• Talk about exercise and lifestyle.
• Evaluate online health information.
20 Making Decisions With Your Doctor