How to Evaluate Health Information on the Internet

There's plenty of medical information and health advice on the internet, but not all of it is credible, and some of it can be downright dangerous. Here are some things to look for, when evaluating the quality of medical information on the internet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Be aware of who is presenting the information. Any web site should make it easy for people to learn who is responsible for the site and its information. If the person or organization in charge of the web site did not write the material, the original source should be clearly identified
2. Check the background of the information provider. Health-related web sites should give information about the medical credentials of the people who prepare or review the material on the site, or the experience of the person -- even if not a medical specialist -- presenting health-related information.
3. Check the date. How current is the information on the web site? It is particularly important that medical information be current, and that the most recent update or review date be clearly posted. Even if the information has not changed, it is helpful to know that the site owners have reviewed it recently to ensure that the information is still valid.
4. Check to see how the information on the web site is documented? In addition to identifying the original source of the material, the site should identify the evidence on which the material is based. Medical facts and figures should have references (such as citations of articles in medical journals). Also, opinions or advice should be clearly set apart from information that is “evidence-based” (that is, based on research results).
5. Check the resource links below for additional steps to take to insure you're getting reliable information.