As nurses, we often have the need to find reliable healthcare information online. Searching for evidence-based guidelines and information online can be faster and more efficient than other methods of information searching. Our patients also go online to find healthcare information of interest to them.

It has been estimated that approximately 80% of patients obtain information specific to their health from an online source (Picker Institute, 2006).

There are many sites online that claim to be an authority on a certain health condition or disease. How can we as nurses ensure that the information we collect from the Internet is accurate, and how can we counsel our patients about ways to ensure the accuracy of information obtained online?

There are several factors that can be taken into account when assessing a website for veracity. Consider the following:

• How often is the site updated? Reputable sites will update their content regularly, and will also provide information on how the site is reviewed.
• Are references and sources used to support the information given on the site?
• Who created the site? Is information offered as to the individual or organization that founded the site?
• Who are the sponsors of the site? (May be found in the “About Us” section)
• Is contact information or an address provided to contact the site owner or organization?
• Is the web site organized around the sale of something?
• Do spelling/grammatical errors abound? Numerous typos and other errors or poorly written content hints at less than accurate information.

Following these simple guidelines can help you determine the likelihood that the site you are using is trustworthy. As the practice of nursing is evidence driven, it is important for us to learn how to apply a systematic method of  determining the veracity of information found online.

Sources:

Picker Institute, 2006. Assessing the quality of information to support people in making decisions about their health and healthcare. http://www.pickereurope.org/Filestore/PIE_reports/project_reports/Health-information-quality-web-version-FINAL.pdf

British Medical Association, 2008. Health information: finding reliable sources on the internet http://www.bma.org.uk/patients_public/finding_ reliable_healthcare_information/healthinfonet.jsp#1

Want to make a comment?

* What websites do you regulalry use in order to provide healthcare information for your patients/clients?

* Can you think of other factors that make a website more reliable?