How to Find Reliable Health Information on the Internet

by Paulette Avery RN, MSN

As a nurse and a health writer, I feel confident that I can find accurate and reliable health information online. Not everyone feels the same way, and many people don't know how to judge the health information they find on the Internet or elsewhere. At the suggestion of Doug Ferguson, president of the Metro Board of Directors, I'll devote this month's column to helping you navigate the thousands of health-related Web sites to locate information you can trust.

According to information in a September 2005 Consumer Reports article on this topic, studies done through 2002 indicate that anywhere from 20 percent to 90 percent of health information available on the Internet is either inaccurate or incomplete. Unfortunately, that probably has not changed in the last few years. So how do you know what to believe? Begin by looking at the source. A good place to start is the About Us section of the Web site. Read it to see who owns the site. For example, is it a drug company, a Federal Government agency, a professional organization? While drug companies may provide accurate information about drug studies, they are also looking to sell their products, and it is important to keep this in mind. Content from a site developed by an individual reporting anecdotal information is unlikely to be as accurate as that reported on a Web site hosted by a professional organization such as the American Cancer Society. If you find information of interest to you on a site without clear credentials, use caution and be sure to do further research on more reliable sites before accepting the information as accurate.

The MedlinePlus Guide to Healthy Web Surfing suggests that you look to see if a site has an editorial board and whether or not the information has been reviewed by experts before posting on the site. Consider it a red flag if there is no way to contact the organization or Web master, and it is wise to be skeptical of any site offering cures or remedies that sound too good to be true.

Next, consider whether the information offered is based on opinion rather than medical research. If the site claims to be using research, check it out. Who did the research or authored the information? Reliable content should provide the author's name and credentials. Beware of sites offering only anonymous opinions or testimonials. And if there is research, how current is it? Content based on research done 10 years ago may be completely out of date.

Another very important consideration is your own privacy in using the site. Are you required to enter personal information before gaining access to the material? Check out the privacy policy of the site to be sure your personal information will not be sold. A reliable site should also provide an easy way to stop any unsolicited e-mails.

The Consumer Reports article ranks the following free health Web sites as excellent: Kidshealth.org, MayoClinic.com, MedicineNet.com, Medscape.com, National Institutes of Health (NIH.com), and WebMD.com.

The Internet is an amazing and wonderful resource for health information when used wisely. Consult with your health-care provider before making any changes that could adversely affect your health. May your Web surfing be a healthy and happy adventure!

Paulette Avery is a registered nurse and a freelance writer specializing in health issues.