Getting Information from the Internet*
More and more people are using
the Internet to gather health-related information. Here are some
important facts to keep in mind as you are surfing the web:
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It has recently been reported that health-related information
on web pages is oftentimes inaccurate, incomplete, difficult to understand
and/or outdated1
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Generally, the information that is included on web pages
is not evaluated for correctness -- anyone can put anything on a web page
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Health-related information can change rapidly due to constant
research, but web pages are not necessarily updated often
In addition to the links I have
included on the coping page, here are some additional suggestions on ways
to evaluate information you get from the web:
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1 ALWAYS verify the accuracy of the
information with your doctor. The best way to do this is to print
out the web page and take it to your next appointment with the doctor.
Share the information you found with your doctor and get his or her impression
of the information.
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2 Look for an image that says HONCode.
This is an organization that evaluates information that is posted on health-related
web pages. Individuals or organizations that are responsible for
the web page must submit their page for evaluation by this organization
BEFORE they can display the HONCode image. Again, there is no guarantee
that all of the information is accurate, but there is a greater likelihood.
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3 If you find information that is interesting,
do a search specific to that information to see if the same information
is posted on other web pages. If you are seeing the same information
on many web pages (including personal web pages, national foundations,
universities), then there is a greater likelihood (but no guarantee) the
information is accurate.
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4 When you are in the early stages of
gathering information, I suggest you visit national foundations and societies
to get your initial information (the majority of them are included on this
website). Once you get the basic information, you will be better
able to evaluate additional information you read on the Internet about
the condition.
1 Eysenbach, G., Powell,
J., Kuss, O., & Sa, E-R (2002). Empirical studies assessing the
quality of health information for consumers on the world wide web:
A systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Association,
287, 2691-2700.
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* This
web page is designed to provide information and does not constitute development
of a professional relationship. You are strongly encouraged to speak to
the health care professional(s) who are treating your chronic illness to
obtain a suitable referral.
