what you need to know
"With the internet accuracy should always be suspect. There is greater possibility for errors
without editorial control. And, where there has been editorial control in the past it may be lost
because of the medium being used. The people who are able to write in hypertext may not understand the subject
they are writing on and if they have final control over the document errors can occur. Objectivity may
be lost. It is easy to find a professionally designed and elegantly manufactured Web Site
where the opinion offered is totally biased. Authority for the work
may come from an eighth-grader who knows alot about chickens or a Ph.D. who knows nothing
about social issues. If the works are not signed and dated, then determining authority can be
very difficult. But, for the first time, the scope of coverage and currency can be
all encompassing and immediate." *
*from "How to Search for Medical Information on the Internet",
a guide that was written for librarians providing assistance to patrons. While the guide discusses medical information,
which is particularly sensitive, the criteria and cautions are applicable to other fields as well.
evaluating sites
Pay less attention to a web site's overall visual appeal, things like the site's typography or layout, and color schemes. If you want to evaluate a web site like an expert, don't rely on appearance. Consider the qualities an expert looks for in a health web site:
- the quality of a site's information
- the name reputation of a site and its operator
- sources that cite the names and credentials of authors
- the company's motive
- information bias
accuracy
A study of Internet health-related sites points out the possible dangers of substandard
information available there. Web information about a common problem among children was reviewed on
and evaluated by three checklists: technical criteria, completeness of information, and quality of information.
Of the 19 sites studied, ten contained more incorrect information than correct information, three sites
contained equal amounts of correct and incorrect information, and only six sites
contained more correct than incorrect information. For more see Pandolfini C. et al "Parents on the Web;
Risks for quality management of cough in children" Pediatrics 2000 Jan; 105: e1.
(the article online)
privacy
Does a health care site share your personal information with
third parties? Check the
privacy policy details of any site before sharing your information.
surf carefully
Be an informed patient, but be a careful internet information
consumer and consult with your physician. Being informed complements your medical care, but evaluate
medical information carefully.
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