Tips for Evaluating Health Information Found on the Web

    Finding reliable health information on the Internet can be difficult. The Internet can provide patients with a wealth of information, but consumers need to be cautious of misleading or wrong information. Follow these tips when locating health information on the web.

• Who is providing the information?
• Is it a known medical, professional or government organization?
• Examples of reliable sources include:
• Mayo Clinic
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• And other healthcare professional organizations such as: American Academy of Pediatrics

    2.  Check The Publication Date

• How recent is the information?
• Does the information appear to be updated frequently?

     3.  Health on the Net Foundation (HON)

• The HON Foundation is a worldwide organization that specializes in accrediting websites that provide reliable and accurate health information or education.
• Websites that are approved by this foundation are allowed to display the HON logo at the bottom of their site.
• Look for this logo when searching for information
  
  

    4.  Always discuss the information you find with your healthcare provider. They can assist in further explaining the information and decide if it may be helpful for your condition. 

    5.  Internet information should NEVER replace a visit or consultation with a medical professional.

    For more information on evaluating information found on the Internet click on the following: John Hopkins University Library