But the Web now offers an unparalleled fourth source of health information. Most people are convinced that the information they research on the Internet helps them take better care of themselves. Most people who do a health search online are searching for specific information about specific disease(s). For many people with kids, aging parents, or health issues the Net offers an amazing wealth of information from a huge and vast number of resources. Much of the information you will find is accurate. But there is also a lot of very well-disguised incorrect or misleading information on the Internet. And many sites remain beyond the scope of comprehension of the average layperson.
How should people utilize Internet resources when it comes to health questions?
Well, when it comes to health information, your most trusted source is still your physician. The Internet cannot replace a direct one-to-one consultation with a doctor. It can, however, make you a better-informed patient.
Which sites can you trust?
- When were the clinical documents last modified or updated? Is it current and up to date information? The best sites are updated about every six months (sometimes more frequently if new research is available). The date of the last update should be noted.
- Check the website source and funding – is the information posted unbiased and objective. Do be wary or sites run solely by insurance or drug companies. If the site has a financial interest in the information posted, it may be biased.
- Check the author’s credentials – is he or she noted or a specialist in the field?
- What is the sites policy regarding confidentiality, if you log on personal information? Is the security policy posted? If you cannot find the site’s confidentiality statement easily, move on.
- Does the site support its’ claims or information by offering references from reputable and peer reviewed publications or individuals?
- Does the site have an advertising or sales pitch? If so, you may be unwittingly directed to buy or subscribe to therapies that are unsubstantiated or simply unproven.
- Is information posted anonymously? A sure reason to move on.
- Is the site pushing miracle cures or treatments that sound too good to be true?
- Does the site link you or direct you to other resources? Beware a site that has all the answers. Reputable sites openly acknowledge other sites that offer similar information or other reputable options.
- Is the site easy to navigate? Is there an index, table of contents, search engine?
What should be your primary goal when you research health issues on the Internet?
- Learn more about a disease so that you can efficiently use your questioning time at the doctor’s office or study the disease after diagnosis so that you are a better informed patient.
- Investigate new sources of treatment, new medications, new research studies or clinical trials for serious illnesses.
- Find alternative options if the choices you are given are not acceptable.
- Share with others/find support, especially if you are a caregiver or someone suffering from a serious long- term illness.
- Ultimately become a more informed individual.
How do you find out if the Web site is credible?
If you note the site is a ".org", ".gov" or ".edu" site, that is a clue that the site is probably an accurate site. Sites that end in .com may also be valid and legitimate resources of information, however, they may also be driven by advertising and/or other less objective financial support. In addition, the Health on the Net Foundation (HON) is an international non- profit organization based in Switzerland that promotes the use of the Internet for health and medical purposes, but advises on differentiating Web sites based on their advertising usage. It also evaluates Web sites based on their editorial content and posts its findings.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) created a sting operation dubbed "Operation Cure-.All" that uncovered both deceptive and unsubstantiated claims that promised "miracle cures" for serious illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and liver disease. This sting operation demonstrated the varying levels of credibility of the health websites. Other websites have been set up solely for the purpose of uncovering bogus health claims and products. One such website www.quackwatch.com continues to investigate and post its findings on a regular basis.
REMEMBER:
- Use the Internet for information but check with your health provider and share your findings
- Mistrust products claiming to cure everything
- Use Internet doctors as a source of information, but unless you can check out their credentials do not use their information exclusively.
- If purchasing drugs online you may get a bargain, but the website may be prescribing dangerous drugs, used drugs, or impure drugs. Also website prices are not always the cheapest.
- Be suspicious of "medicalese" text that disguises a lack of real information. Beware of irrelevant articles and unheard of journals.
- Be wary of anecdotes and testimonials. They may have merit, but may need to be checked out further.
EXCELLENT HEALTH WEBSITES
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Amy Hendel R-PA, the HealthGal. For more information, visit www.healthgal.com |
