DEAR DOCTOR WITH DR HILARY JONES NHS CHOICES


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With a wealth of health information now available online, Bob Gann from NHS Choices, explains how to stay safe when searching for advice online


he internet allows us to shop, watch a film, book a holiday, chat to friends or listen to music all at the click of a button. It has opened up a whole world of possibilities and information, all conveniently available at any time, day or night. It is hardly surprising It is hardly surprising then that many people are now turning to the internet for


health information.


When it comes to online health information, many people are inclined to just check their symptoms. What they may not know is that there is so much more available. For instance, you can now search for doctors in your area, comment on and rate dentists, hospitals, GP surgeries or opticians where you may have been treated, even download running plans, alcohol trackers and pregnancy guides.


16 DEAR DOCTOR WITH DR HILARY JONES


Unlike buying a new pair of shoes or researching a holiday destination


online, it’s not always obvious whether a health website is trustworthy and reliable. Over the course of the past few years the media has been awash with stories highlighting the dangers of ‘Dr Google’. NHS Choices, the health information website for the NHS, has a wealth of health information and is usually the best place to start your search when turning to the web for health advice.


FINDING RELIABLE HEALTH INFORMATION Perhaps the most important thing when it comes to using the web for health information is understanding how to differentiate between information that is and isn’t reliable.


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