Patient guide to the internet

PATIENT GUIDE TO THE INTERNET

The Internet is currently one of the most used and highly accessible sources for information on almost any of interest . This resource is often used because it allows the user to find information at his own convenience , such as in his home and at his own time . Here are some criteria that Tresca (2009 ) has suggested for your use of the Internet for healthcare information

Check the author or organization of the website . The most reliable websites for healthcare information are those created by groups of

physicians and scientists , such as WebMD and the National Institutes of Health

Compare information among websites . It is best to compare the content of one website to another in to determine accuracy and validity of healthcare information

Determine frequency of update of the website . Websites that are maintained by medical professionals constantly update the content of their site , as research reports continuously come in . A website that was last updated in 2006 or earlier may not be very reliable

Identify any bias in the website . If a certain website mentions a certain brand-name drug in their website , then most likely this site was created by entrepreneurs and not medical doctors . A reliable website will only provide information on a disease or symptom , but not promote any specific brand of medication

Exercise good judgment when reading the content of a website . It is best to exercise caution when reading any s on websites Remember that whatever is written...