internet resources

use of internet for health info

- health info is available to consumers from a variety of sources including the internet

-consumer use of internet for health info is increasing

what is the problem with internet sources?

- info on internet websites is not always accurate and complete

- quality and reliability of info may vary among websites

- no agency/ entity routinely reviews internet sites

- patients may use internet instead of consulting healthcare provider

how are pharmacists affected by internet sources?

- patients will often approach pharmacists with questions about info found on the internet

pharmacists can do what regarding internet resources

- help patients evaluate the quality of info found on the internet

- recommend websites for patients to use for reliable health information

which websites are considered high quality?

- governmental agencies (.gov)

- educational entities (.edu)

- professional organizations (.org)

- nonprofit organizations (.org)

which websites are not the best?

commercial entities

(.com)

commercial entities (.com)

provide reliable info but may be selling products (greater risk for bias/ inaccuracy)

Elements to consider when evaluating health info on the internet

- content

- currency

- authors

- references

- site design

content

is info presented at appropriate level for audience? accurate and complete? positive words?

currency

is info up to date? did authors include a date of last update?

HONcode

-tool to assess quality of an internet website

-code of conduct of the health on the Net foundation

What happens if site meets HONcode criteria?

symbol is placed at the bottom of the website

- voluntary= site must apply

- lack of HONcode does not mean poor quality

What does HONcode not evaluate?

does not evaluate accuracy or completeness of info

when is it appropriate to use the internet for health info?

- to find info about very recent topics

- to locate sources of info identified by patients in order to review info for accuracy and completeness

- research ingredients of OTC products, dietary supplements and herbal products

National Library of Medicine/ Medline Plus

info about drugs and disease states

food and drug administration

info about new drugs, dietary supplements, recalls of food/ drugs

Thomson healthcare

info about prescription drugs

Merck

consumer based version of merck manual

department of health and human services

info about common disease states

CDC

info about treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, public health

National institute of health

efficacy and safety of dietary supplements

national center for complementary and alternative medicine

description of ongoing research in dietary supplements

american society of health-system pharmacist

patient version of AHFS drug info resource

useful internet resources for patients

-healthcare organizations and disease society websites

-drug company websites