How to Evaluate Health Information
Most Consumer Health information is accessible via the Internet. However, along with dependable resources, the Internet is littered with false information. Use the Questions Checklist below from the National Library of Medicine to determine if the information you are accessing is reputable or not.
Provider |
Who is in charge of the Web site? Why are they providing the site? Can you contact them? |
Funding |
Where does the money to support the site come from? Does the site have advertisements? Are they labeled? |
Quality |
Where does the information on the site come from? How is content selected? Do experts review the information that goes on the site? Does the site avoid unbelievable or emotional claims? Is it up-to-date? |
Privacy |
Does the site ask for your personal information? Do they tell you how it will be used? Are you comfortable with how it will be use? |
Additional Resources on Evaluation
- Evaluating Health Information – MedlinePlus
Portal from the National Library of Medicine - MLANET: A User’s Guide to Finding and Evaluating Health Information on the Web
From the Medical Library Association (MLA) - Understanding and Evaluating Medical Information (Evidence-based Medicine)
Collection of links researched by New York Online Access to Health (NOAH) - Medical Information on the Internet
Guide for Health Reporters and Consumers from the Medical Library Association (MLA)
Quackery and Frauds
- Operation Cure All
From the Federal Trade Commission
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