Finding Accurate and Reliable Health Information
on the Internet

Handout

Evaluating Information You Find On the Internet

It is important to remember that while the Internet is a great source for health information, there is also a lot of bad information out there. Take some time to evaluate the websites and information you are finding.

Consider the Source /
  • Who is responsible for the content?
  • Is there an “about us” page?

Focus on Quality /
  • Are the authors or editors experts in the subject?
  • How is the information selected or approved?

Look for the Evidence /
  • Does the site identify the author?
  • Does it cite references for more information?

Check for Currency /
  • Is the information current?
  • Can you tell when the site was updated?

Beware of Bias /
  • Who is sponsoring the site?
  • Are they trying to sell you something?

Protect Your Privacy /
  • Does the site have a privacy policy?
  • Does it ask you to provide personal information?

Be a Cyberskeptic /
  • Does the website make claims that seem too good to be true?
  • Are quick, miraculous cures promised?

Find out more about evaluating health websites on the MedlinePlus website at:

Websites You Can Trust

MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus is a health information website produced by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. It brings together quality information from government agencies and health-related organizations to help answer your health questions.
Special Features Include:
  • Medical encyclopedia and dictionary
  • Drug and supplement information
  • Interactive tutorials
  • Easy-to-read materials
  • Resources in multiple languages
  • Surgery videos
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NIH Senior Health

NIH Senior Health is a health information website developed especially for older adults. It contains information, videos, quizzes and frequently asked questions on 43 aging-related health topics.
Special Features Include:
  • Adjustable text size
  • Contrast function to make text more readable
  • Talking function that will read aloud the text on the screen
/

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) – Questions are the Answer

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has created a website to help patients take an active role in their health care by asking questions, understanding their conditions, and evaluating their options.
The AHRQ Questions are the Answer website includes information on:
  • Reducing medical mistakes
  • Talking with your clinician
  • Getting medical tests
  • Planning for a surgery
  • Getting a prescription
Special Features Include:
  • A Build Your Question List tool that allows you to create a custom list of questions that you can print off and take with you to your next appointment.
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Created By:

Anne Beschnett, MLIS

Outreach Librarian

University of Minnesota Health Sciences Libraries

Additional health literacy resources are available from the Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership Website at:

Last Updated: April 18, 2011


The Health Literacy Program for Minnesota Seniors (HeLP MN Seniors) is brought to you by the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Libraries and the Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership. Funding was provided through a subcontract from the National Library of Medicine National Network of Libraries of Medicine under contract number N01-LM-6-3503.

This work is protected by an Attribution Share Alike (cc by-sa) license. Under this license, others are able to remix, tweak, and build upon the original work even for commercial reasons, as long the original source is cited and derivative works are licensed under identical terms. For more information, see:

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