HON-accredited sites, go to www
.hon.ch and select HONsearch. Other helpful search engines in-
clude the HHS site www.healthfind
er.gov and the NIH site
www.med
lineplus.gov.
Evaluate sites
These are only the first steps in ensuring a medical website is repu- table. Hewakapuge recommends consumers evaluate sites based on the following tips: 1. Search engines don’t always list the most reliable sources as the top results, so review several pages of the sites listed before making a selection. 2. Be alert for conflicts of interest. Make sure you know whether a site was developed to promote products or services. Well-run health websites dis- tinguish advertising and promotional content from health information. 3. Check the credentials of content authors. The best health sites provide extensive information on the creden- tials of the authors and information on the source of scientific evidence used to develop health information. 4. Know how the health information was developed. A reputable site will post editorial policies describing the process involved in clinically review- ing health information. 5. Know your rights to privacy. Prop- erly run sites let you know what your rights are to modify or delete col- lected information. Always read the posted privacy policy. 6. Know the credentials of medical services providers when receiving specific services or advice online. Make sure you know when you are consulting a medical professional. Insist that you be informed of the medical professional’s credentials before you interact.
Decipher the good from the bad
The NIH provides online tutorials on how to use the Internet to obtain reli-
able and accurate health information and offers the following advice: 1. Look at a website’s “About Us” page to get an overview of the site and its developer. 2. Know how to contact the organi- zation or webmaster to address com- plaints or get more information. 3. Read the information provided about the editorial board and its members’ credentials and interests. 4. Beware of claims that one remedy will cure a variety of ailments or that a product is a “breakthrough.” 5. Use caution with sites that use sensational writing and multiple ex- clamation points. 6. Beware of websites that use tech- nical language and jargon in the con- sumer section; the language should be simple and easy to understand. 7. Rely on medical research, not opin- ion, when searching for information. 8. If there are case studies or testi- monials, there should be contact in- formation for the author. 9. Look at the dates on the documents to ensure the information is current. 10. Check for funding sources — pub- lic funds, donations, or commercial advertising — to avoid bias. 11. If there is a registration form, no- tice what type of questions you have to answer to view content. 12. Read the privacy policy to see what is done with the information you share and how it will be used.
Get a second opinion
Always discuss the in- formation you find with your health care pro- vider. The AMA suggests consumers use Internet searches as a spring- board for collaborating with their physician in planning health care and treatment. Websites might provide basic in-
formation about disease processes and treatments, whereas your physician will know how that in- formation relates to your individual needs. In addition, the amount of information you find online might be overwhelming, and your physician can help you to narrow your search. Being a savvy consumer requires
research, but it is time well spent when your health and well-being is involved. Following these simple steps and partnering with your health care provider will ensure you get the greatest benefit from health information you access online. MO
— Nanette Lavoie-Vaughan is an adult
nurse practitioner and author of the “Role Reversal” column at
www.moaa.org. Her last article for Military Officer was “Tailor- Made Retirement,” September 2009.
The Medical Library Association’s list of the 10
“most useful” websites
■ cancers:
www.cancer.gov ■ children’s health:
www.kidshealth.org ■ family health:
www.familydoctor.org ■ general health:
www.healthfinder.org ■ general health:
www.mayoclinic.com ■ general health:
www.medlineplus.gov ■ general health:
www.noah-health.org ■ HIV:
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu ■ infections, flu:
www.cdc.gov ■ physician referral:
www.medem.com
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