Health on the Web
Q: I’ve noticed that there are a lot of websites out there that provide health information. How do I know if they’re reliable and what can I do to protect myself against false information?
Dr. Donnica: The Internet has literally opened a whole new world for patient-directed research, often offering patients access to information about diagnoses and treatments about which their physicians are not yet aware or informed. This creates a significant shift of power—and responsibility—from physicians to patients. Already, more than 17 million Americans have accessed medical care data online this year, a 35% increase from 1997. Of all on-line users, nearly half have accessed medical or health information. These numbers have encouraged nearly $120 million in venture-capital funding of Internet-related health-care companies, according to Business Week. . .yet there is no regulation or quality control of the information content or advice that these sites deliver. With an estimated 15,000 health and medical sites, the amount of data that is incorrect is staggering and clearly challenges the credibility of the Web itself. Two recent attempts to address this are:
US Department of Health and Human Services has a recently launched site which aims to teach consumers how to evaluate web sites.
All of the above tips for mainstream media evaluation apply to the web. In addition, some warnings specific to the web follow.
Web-site Warnings: Don’t Get Tangled in the Web
- Ask: is this really true? The Internet is not monitored for accuracy. Anyone can post what ever they wish without giving references or without any accountability for that information.
- Ask: where does this information come from? Web-sites range in source from the world’s most respected hospitals, academic centers, and publications to frankly unreliable sources with hidden agendas.
- Ask: what is the specific agenda of this site. Is there a hidden agenda? Beware of “news” that is designed to promote a specific product or treatment. This does not mean it is biased or incorrect, but it might be. When something has a commercial sponsor, consider whether that company or product would be held accountable under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations; these companies are much more likely to be accountable for any mistakes and generally make much more of an effort to insure accuracy than other groups, companies or constituencies (note that vitamins, for example, do not come under FDA regulations).
There are numerous benefits of doing your own medical information research: it can help you better understand your diagnosis and your doctor’s instructions; it can prepare you with important questions to ask your doctor; and it can facilitate compliance with your recommended therapies. This research doesn’t have to be extensive: often, reading a pamphlet or a magazine article can get you started in the right direction. Getting information about—or contact with—others who have a similar condition can also be reassuring that others have undergone similar experiences; you may also benefit from others’ tips, experiences, and research. This information is an adjunct to--not a substitute for--directed medical advice; however, all of these benefits can benefit your health.
The information age may have changed the way we get information and the speed at which we can access it. It has NOT changed the fact that the most credible, most valuable, and most appropriate source of medical information is still your personal health care provider. If you have general medical questions about diseases, disorders, or conditions, by all means, search the web. If you have specific questions about yourself or your child, ask your doctor.
Created: 9/24/2000 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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 The information on the site is designed to support, not replace, the existing doctor-patient relationship. 
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