HOW TO EVALUATE INTERNET SITES

Many Internet sites provide health information. But the Internet is not controlled, supervised or monitored for the quality of information that is provided. Anyone can post information on the Internet. As an Internet user, it’s important to know what to look for to find reliable information about your health. Look for the following key points as you “surf the net”.

Accountability: Who runs the website?
The credentials of webmasters, editors, reviewers, and others involved with the site should be readily available.
Is there an easy way to contact the site owners with problems, feedback and questions?
Resources from reputable institutions are more likely to provide timely, accurate and unbiased information.
A reliable site makes this information easy to find on the website
Beware information posted by anonymous sources.

Does it cost a fee to obtain information?
Most reliable health related websites currently do not charge a fee to obtain information.

Who pays for the website?
The sources of funding can influence how information is presented.
This information should also be easy to find
Are potential conflicts of interest disclosed?

What is the purpose of the site?
This information often is found on the home page or in a link titled “about us” and should clearly state the purpose of the site and who runs the site.

Are original authors, sources and references for health information present?
Original sources, authors and references help you decide whether the information is based on research, clinical experience, someone’s opinion or advice from another person. The most credible sites include information based on research with authors, sources and references to support the information

How current is the information on the site? When was it last updated?
Health care information changes rapidly.
Reliable sites review and update regularly

Confidentiality: What information does the site collect about you?
Why?
What do they do with the information?
Do you need to subscribe?
Is there a fee?
Does the site clearly explain what will be done with your information?
Read and understand the privacy policy before subscribing

Is the site easy to use?
Is the site well organized? Easy to navigate?
Does it have a good search engine?

Information adapted from:
National Cancer Institute. Cancer Facts: How to Evaluate Health Information on the Internet: Questions and Answers. http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/2_10.htm Accessed on 2/26/02. and Gomez, E Assessing the quality of cancer information on the Internet. ONS Online. www.ons.org Accessed 7/01/97. and OncoLink. OncoLink FAQ: Evaluating Cancer Web Sites, an Editorial by OncoLink Directors. http://oncolink.upenn.edu/resources/eval.htm. Accessed 7/01/97.

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