HOW TO EVALUATE MEDICAL RESOURCES ON THE WEB

Unfortunately, computer skills are the only qualification needed to run a medical Web site. So to get the best health care, you have to make sure that the medical information you are using from the Web is reliable and trustworthy. The following information is a guide to help you navigate the maze of Internet health information. By following these tips, you will be able to figure out which Web sites provide reliable information from doctors and which ones provide information from the kid down the street.

Set aside time to visit several sites. Be aware that a single site will probably not provide a comprehensive picture of what you need to know about a condition. As many as four to six sites should often be visited.

Find out who runs the site. Any good health-related site should make it easy for you to learn who is responsible for the site and its information. Pay close attention to the credibility and credentials of the publisher.

Who wrote the information? Is the author a physician, nurse practitioner or other health professional? What are their credentials, affiliations and professional experience? What are their qualifications for writing on the subject at hand?

What is the source of the information? Many health sites post information collected from other Web sites. If the person in charge of this site did not create the information, then the original source should be clearly labeled and available for your assessment.

Medical information on Web sites should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. So be sure to look for a current date.

Look to see that there is a scientific basis for the information and opinions that are offered. Look for references and citations so that you can learn more about the topic and evaluate the quality of the information.

Look under "About this site" or "Mission statement" to find out the site's clear purpose.

Be skeptical of sites that are not well-known or government-sponsored because many are created and maintained for commercial reasons. The information on these sites may be accurate, but it is wise to consider the possibility that someone is trying to sell something by providing the information.

Any credible health site asking for personal information should tell you exactly what they will and will not do with it. Be certain that you read the site's privacy policy statements. Be sure you know why they are asking you to disclose personal medical information.

Share the information you gather from Internet sources with your health professional. Make sure you seek their input and recommendations about your Internet health sources, especially when it concerns conditions or treatment decisions.

The more you know about your health, the healthier you will be. Keep this information and share it with your family and your doctor.

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