Evaluating Health Information:
A Guide for Health Professionals

 

Books, magazines and the Internet are three major sources of information about health, but just because the information is published doesn't mean that it's reliable. Sometimes a book or web site that looks trustworthy is based on opinions rather than facts, and sometimes the information is just plain wrong! With so much information out there, how do you decide what to believe? This guide is designed to help you examine health information so you can decide whether or not the information is reliable or not.

 

1. Question the source of the information - Here are some questions to help you decide if the information is biased:

• Who created the information? Are they trying to promote a product or idea?
• Is there advertising presented along with the information? Is a variety of information presented, or just one point of view?
• Is the information from a medical or health-related organization? If not, what is the author or organization's reason for publishing health information?

2. Information seems unbiased but is it reliable? - Other things to consider:

• Is it easy to find out who created the information? The author and/or organization should be clearly identified, and contact information should be available. Is the site professionally managed and reviewed by experts in the field?
• Is the information clearly organized? If you are looking at a web site, do the links work?
• Is the information up-to date? Look for a date of publication. Health information and treatments change all the time, so old information may no longer be accurate.
• Who is the information created for? Information should be age appropriate. For example, if intended for teens, it should be teen friendly and at a much lower reading level than if created for adults.
• Does the site have sponsors? All sponsorship, advertising, or commercial interests should be clearly stated.

3. Check links and more links - Not only do you want to be sure that the links work, it is very important to know where the link goes to. Some sites provide a direct connection with sites that in turn link to inappropriate sites. Rule of thumb is to check 3 generations of links.

 

4. Don't be fooled by web sites claims - Be alert to web sites that credit themselves as the only source of the information or if the site blatantly discredits other sources of information.

 

5. Use common sense - If the information appears unprofessional or sketchy, it probably is. Compare the information you find on a web site with information from other reputable sites.

 

6. Don't recommend web sites that you haven't visited - Take the time to check out a reference before recommending it. In the long run, it's important to know if the advice you are giving is credible. Your best bet is to look for information that is published by medical societies, health care organizations, or nonprofit organizations that are devoted to helping people.

 

7. Encourage teens and parents to discuss information they have found online - Assist adolescents and their families to identify the resources they have used to gather information. This will help you to understand their attitudes about their illness and treatment plan. Provide reliable information that is clear and easy to understand. Be sure to reinforce that the information they read should not replace ongoing communication with their health care provider!

 

Written by the Center for Young Women's Health Staff

 

Updated 10/18/2005

 

Related Information:

• Resources for Health Professionals
  

 

 

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