Why do people use the Internet for health information?
People use the Internet to find health information.
People are interested in learning more about what their doctors tell them.
It's a quick and easy way for many people to get to a lot of information.
People want to know how to prevent illnesses and how to best take care of
themselves and their children.
What is the purpose of a reliable health Web site?
To give information
To help people make informed decisions
To encourage healthy behaviors
To encourage people to exchange health information and emotional support
To encourage people to have control over their health
To act as a health service
What are the qualities of a reliable health Web site?
It's created by skilled health care professionals.
It's made by people or organizations you trust.
It gives you information about the authors' training.
It tells you how the authors and creators can be contacted in case you have
questions.
It provides accurate information.
It tells you the sources of its information.
The information backs-up what your doctor has told you and what you have
read on other reliable sites.
The information is current.
The site tells you when the information was last updated.
It tells you who its sponsors are.
It tells you right away, in clear terms, if the site is selling something.
Ads are not mixed in with information. It is easy to tell ads apart from
content.
The site protects your privacy and tells you if it is gathering information
about you.
It tells you exactly how this information will be used.
It keeps this information private and does not give it to anyone else.
It tells you in clear terms that the information on the site should not
be used instead of talking to a doctor. It encourages you to see health care
professionals for questions and concerns.
It tells you that the information it provides should not be used alone to
diagnose or treat your problem.
It links to other reliable sources of health information.
It uses tables and pictures to help explain the information.
It tells you in clear terms if you have to pay for the information.
What's the problem with health information on the Web?
Information on the Web is a lot like movies and commercials. You can't believe
everything you see.
Not all health information on the Web comes from reliable sources.
Almost anyone can learn how to put information on the Web. A person with
no medical training can make a Web site as easily as a doctor can.
It's easy to make the Web site appear as if it comes from a reliable source
by listing a name, such as the FDA, on its page. Read carefully.
It's easy to make a Web site appear professional by adding graphics and
interesting features. Don't be fooled.
What are some warning signs that a site is not reliable?
It promises miracle cures or unbelievable results.
The site focuses more on selling a product than on giving information.
The site does not link to other reliable health information.
It does not recommend that you talk to your doctor about the information
it provides.
The authors act as if they know enough about your health problem to diagnose
it or treat it.
It asks you to give personal information but does not promise to keep it
private.
Why should I take the time to check it out?
Take the time to make sure the information you find is reliable.
Check the information to protect yourself and your family.
How can I be sure that the information is correct?
Double-check the information. Compare it to what the doctor has told you
and what you see on other sites you are sure are reliable.
If you find interesting health information on the Internet, talk to your
doctor about it.
When you read interesting information on a health Web site, print it out
and take it to your doctor or write down the Web address (URL) and ask your
doctor to look at it. Your doctor should be able to tell you if the information
is correct and what parts are not correct.
Ask your doctor to recommend reliable Web sites.
Do not make health care decisions based only on Internet information. Talk
to your doctor.
Do not use Internet information alone to diagnose problems, treat an illness,
or to find or change medications.
Quick Answers
Many people use the Internet as a quick and easy way to find health information.
The purpose of a reliable health Web site is to give information, to help
people make informed decisions, and to encourage healthy behaviors.
A reliable health Web site is created by skilled health care professionals.
Do not believe all of the information that you read on the Internet. Anyone
can learn how to put information on the Web. A person with no medical training
can make a Web site as easily as a doctor can.
Be careful of sites that promise miracle cures, are trying to sell a product,
and that do not recommend that you talk to your doctor about the information
it provides.
It is important to make sure that the information is accurate to protect
you family's health.
When you read interesting health information on the Internet, talk to your
doctor about it to make sure it is accurate.
References
Center for Disabilities and Development. How to Recognize a Reliable Health
Care Web site. 2002 (cited 2002 March 27). The University of Iowa. URL: http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/uhs/healthguide.cfm
The Food and Drug Administration. Health Information On-Line. SciPHIC. 1996
June (cited 2002 March 27).
SciPICH. Interactive Health Communication. 1997 October (cited 2002 March
27). URL: http://www.health.gov/scipich/
SciPHIC. Potential Problems with IHC Applications. March 1998 (cited 2002
March 27). URL: http://www.health.gov/scipich/IHC/problems.htm
"Virtual Pediatric Hospital", the Virtual Pediatric Hospital logo, and "A digital library of pediatric information" are all Trademarks of Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Virtual Pediatric Hospital is funded in whole by Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. Advertising is not accepted.
Your personal information remains confidential and is not sold, leased, or given to any third party be they reliable or not.
The information contained in Virtual Pediatric Hospital is not a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
