Evaluating health information

Reference books, realia and charts in a medical library collection Source: Wikicommons Are you interested in contributing to HLWIKI International – hlwiki.ca? contact: dean.giustini@ubc.ca To browse other articles on a range of HSL topics, see the A-Z index. Last Update 17 May 2013 Introduction See also British Columbia health libraries | Consumer health information | Finding health information for British Columbians | Information needs of users | Users of health libraries Every day, millions of Canadian consumers search for and evaluate health information on the web, including what is in popular magazines at the supermarket and in traditional media such as radio and television. Some health information is perfectly reliable and accurate but much is not. The goal is to teach consumers to evaluate health information and learn to distinguish misleading, dangerous information from the authoritative. When searching the web, it is absolutely critical that its authority is determined i.e., who is behind the health website? In trying to determine the "who" behind a website, look for an "about us" link on the site and try to determine the authors' credentials. Who is in partnership with the website? If the Harvard Medical School and the National Library of Medicine are behind the site, you can assume that the website is not out to get your money or to deceive you. Further, by verifying the credentials of each author, you can see how they got involved in the project and to which institution they are primarily affiliated. With respect to organizations, does the site look as though it might be affiliated with a branch of government? a university, health organization, hospital or health organization? Aim to focus next on the quality of the layout, and the text. Does the site seem to employ an editorial board? Is health information reviewed by experts before it's posted? To evaluate health information, it may be important to seek a second or third opinion. Or to evaluate the information in hand with information either in your print textbooks or proprietary databases. Further, are the entries you are reading well-written and appropriate for varying literacy levels of your readers? Try to be as highly critical as possible in your review of health information. If something on a site is too good to be true, it probably is. Key 4 stars denotes librarian-selected, high quality information. Starred sites are great places to begin your research. PubMed Health provides health information written at the college or university-level. MedlinePlus (U.S.) provides access to easy-to-read health information. An online or print publication intended to present Canadian health information for Canadians Major websites BC Cancer Agency: Evaluating Websites Canadian Public Health Association: Health information on the Internet DISCERN: Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information Canadian Consumer Information Gateway Evaluating Internet Health Information: A Tutorial from the National Library of Medicine FamilyDoctor.org: Health Information on the web: finding reliable information Health on the Net (HON) Code Informercial Watch @ Quackwatch LiveStrong Finding and Evaluating Resources Medical Library Association: A User's Guide to Finding and Evaluating Health Information on the Web MedlinePlus Guide to Healthy Web Surfing National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet: Evaluating Health Information on the Internet NNLM Evaluating Health Websites National Public Health Information Coalition, Health Literacy 101 / Training Readability Measures Calculators & University of Nottingham. SMOG Calculator University of Connecticut, Finding the Answers to Your Health Questions Plain Language Action and Information Network. What Is Plain Language? See also Answering health and medical reference questions CAPHIS | Top 100 Health Websites You Can Trust Consumer health information Finding health information for British Columbians Multilingual resources for patients Patient education Top 100 Canadian Health Websites Top Ten (10) Canadian Health Websites 2010 Top Social Media Sites in Medicine Disclaimer Disclaimer: The HLWIKI International Advisory makes consumer health information (CHI) available to all -- however, it is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or as a substitute for consulting a doctor. While we strive to keep all content current and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability of information, products, services, or related graphics contained here or on any of the websites listed. Only qualified health providers can provide health care e.g., they will take your health history, examine you, and bring their expertise and experience to bear on evaluating you. Put simply, advice regarding your care should always include your physician and other health providers. Please ask your local health librarian for further assistance.