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Using the internet to find reliable health informationUsing the internet to find reliable health information
Not all information on medicines is reliable, but there are ways to tell the difference between the good and the not-so-good.
The internet is full of information. Some of it is accurate, some is not. Some is unbiased, some is not. Ask yourself the following questions about a health website. The answers will help you decide whether the website is a reliable source of information.
Who developed the site?
- Is it clear who wrote the material?
- Does the author state his or her perspective, such as 'I am a medical expert’ or ‘I am a cancer survivor’?
- Is it clear who published the material?
- Is any commercial interest or sponsorship stated clearly?
- Is it clear why the site was developed?
- Can you contact the author or publisher?
Is the content complete and in depth?
- For diseases or conditions, does it indicate:
-
- the causes
- how to prevent them
- how to recognise them
- how they are diagnosed
- treatments/procedures (and alternatives)
- what happens after treatment is over
- how to maintain quality of life once a condition is diagnosed.
- For information on treatments, does it cover:
-
- how treatments work
- the benefits and harms
- the effects on quality of life
- some possible alternative treatments and lifestyle options
- the likely effect of not using the treatment?
- Is it clear whether the material is based on scientific evidence?
- Is it clear where the information is sourced from?
- Is the material presented within the Australian context?
Is the information up to date?
- Is the date of the last update clearly visible?
Is the site easy to use?
- Is the language easy to understand?
- Is the presentation clear?
Does the site present a broad view of health?
- Does the site recognise that health has many elements, can be different for different people and is affected by basic things like income?
- Does it tell you about choices open to you, including not having treatment?
- Does it admit that not everything about health is totally understood, and that some things are uncertain?
Privacy
- If the site asks you for information, does it tell you exactly why it wants this information?
- Are the site’s privacy guidelines stated?
- If you have to register to use the site, is the reason clear and your privacy ensured?
To access internet information
- Print off website Information and take it (or any printed brochures, newspaper articles and other material) to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss.
- Go to the Australian Government’s HealthInsite website at www.healthinsite.gov.au.
- Go to Consumers’ Health Forum of Australia (CHF) at www.chf.org.au for Australian health consumer organisations and information.
For more information
Contact the Medicines Line on 1300 888 763, or the National Prescribing Service at www.nps.org.au, or the CHF at www.chf.org.au.
NPS and CHF are partners in the Community Quality Use of Medicines program.
Date published: 2007-07-18 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
