Consumer Health Coordinator National Network of Libraries of Medicine Southeastern Atlantic Region From Snake Oil to Penicillin Evaluating Consumer Health Information on the Internet Objective ID: 744721
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Ashley Cuffia, MLS, AHIPConsumer Health CoordinatorNational Network of Libraries of Medicine, Southeastern Atlantic Region
From Snake Oil to Penicillin: Evaluating Consumer Health Information on the Internet
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ObjectiveAt the end of this workshop, you will be able to:Determine the accuracy, authority, bias, currency, and coverage of health information and its appropriate use as a consumer health information resource for the public.Slide3
PretestT F All health information on the web is accurate and reliable.T F Reference librarians can provide advice about health information. T F About half of Internet health seekers thoroughly check the source and timeliness of information, and are vigilant about verifying a site’s information every time they search for health information.
Name three criteria for evaluating a web site. Slide4
The IssueIncreased number of:People accessing health information on the InternetPeople creating health-related web sitesPatients believe web is a reliable source of informationThe results of one study was published in JAMA
(JAMA. 2001 May 23-30; 285(20):2612-21).Slide5
2016 Word of the Year – post-truthFake news not new, but social media speeds reachComplete fiction, distortions, shoddy and un-researched info, satire, everything in-between
Bogus or misinformationSlide6
How Stuff Works – 10 Ways to Spot Fake News Story –
http://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth
Source is known to be shady
Other stories from the source are incredulous
Reputable sites aren’t carrying it
It predicts future disaster
It reveals a cure for a major illness
Tips for Spotting BogusSlide7
http://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/10-ways-to-spot-fake-news-story11.htm
Website carries a confusing disclaimer
Story is a little too funny or interesting
A poll is featured
Website has an odd domain name (.
ru
or .co)
Story makes you angry
Tips (cont.)Slide8
Types of Web sitesWhat is the purpose of the Web page?Advocacy (American Heart Association)Business/marketing (Pfizer)
Informational (National Center for Health Statistics)News (CNN)Entertainment (Official Star Wars Fan Club) Slide9
5 Basic CriteriaAccuracy, Authority, Bias, Currency, CoverageEach of these alone is meaningless, but together they create solid guidelines for evaluation. If you cannot answer the following questions, the website your patient/patron is looking at is suspect!Slide10
AccuracyIs the information accurate? Remember:Anyone can publish on the webMany web pages are not reviewed or verified by editors or peersWeb standards to ensure accuracy don’t existSlide11
Accuracy ExampleSlide12
AuthorityIs the author an authority on the subject? Remember:It is often difficult to determine the authorship of Web pagesIf a name is listed, his/her qualifications are frequently absentCheck if the Web page has the backing of a well-established organization, institution, or agency.Slide13
The URLThe Tilde ~The Domain“Dot coms”Contact Information
About UsSlide14
http://members.tripod.com/~tourette13
/
Authority exampleSlide15
BiasDoes the author bring any biases in posting the information? Remember:Web pages often are “soapboxes”Goals of the author aren’t clearly statedWatch out for the emotional “kick”…photographs, exclamation points, huge fontsSlide16
http://www.dhmo.org
/
Bias exampleSlide17
CurrencyIs the information current and timely? Remember:Dates are not always includedIf dates are included, it may not be clear if the date is the date created, the date revised, or the date the page was placed on the webSlide18
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/features/hrt-revisiting-the-hormone-decision
Currency exampleSlide19
CoverageMany health sites are not comprehensive. The information may be accurate but important information may be left out. Remember:How does this information compare with other sources on the same topic?Is a better source available?Does the site have a disclaimer?Slide20
http://www.medical-library.net
/
Coverage exampleSlide21
Additional ResourcesQuackwatch.comSite developed by a psychiatristAuthor is anti-alternative/anti-complementary
Site can be used to gather background information on questionable treatments, products, services, and theoriesSlide22
Use to verifySource for urban legends, folklore, mythsAims to debunk or confirm widely spread urban legends7-8 million unique visitors/month in 2010
Rumor?Slide23
Additional Online ResourcesMedlinePlus.govClick on Health Topics (select health fraud)Slide24
PosttestT F All health information on the web is accurate and reliable.T F Reference librarians can provide advice about health information. T F About half of Internet health seekers thoroughly check the source and timeliness of information, and are vigilant about verifying a site’s information every time they search for health information.
Name three criteria for evaluating a web site. Slide25
How to Reach UsWeb site: https://nnlm.gov/