Finding and Evaluating Medical and Health Information on the Internet

Abstract

Abstract With the increase in accessibility of Internet connections for the public, there is more and more opportunity for consumers to assimilate vast amounts of health and medical information. The purpose of this article is to provide those consumers with some of the basics needed in finding quality health and medical information and distinguishing the mediocre from the trash. Elementary Internet terminology and some fundamental searching techniques, helpful for information retrieval, are provided. Five major criteria for evaluation of information are presented along with suggested questions for use in the process. Interpreting the various segments of the URL is also covered, along with examples of common Internet domains. Some Internet sites are included for more exploration and study of the topics considered in the article.