Improving the Quality of Health Information on the Internet

Abstract

Abstract The Internet Healthcare Coalition (IHC), a nonprofit organization, believes it is possible to improve the quality of health information on the Internet without imposing new regulations and laws that limit the freedom of information providers or consumers. This article traces the history of the grass-roots development of the IHC beginning with an October 1996 FDA-sponsored public meeting. An online call to action led to the creation of the MEDWEB-MASTERS-L e-mail discussion group where important issues were debated and a community of interest developed. Subscribers felt it was important to meet in person during June 1997. At that time, it was resolved to create a coalition of health professionals, patients, industry, publishers, and Web developers with a common goal of promoting improved Internet health resources through education and self-regulation. The IHC is currently involved with efforts to help consumers and governments control health fraud on the Internet without destroying the Internet's ability to provide useful and legitimate health information. The Coalition plans to be an educational resource to support many independent efforts by members to improve the quality of health information on the Internet. In October 1998, it plans to hold its first annual meeting.