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Online Resources

I just typed "arthritis" in the AOL search engine and 3477 websites popped up. How do we sort through all these sites? Which ones supply us with accurate information? It ain't easy!

We asked our Community Members: How can you tell if you can trust information presented on an arthritis related website?

And you responded:

'It's a gut feeling! No correlation to the medical profession' -Carol

'sponsorships, etc., i.e. too much outside influence' -Anisah

'Never really thought about this because I really only look at the above two and have found no problems in the last 2 years with any information.' -Sandi

'Usually look for a statement or the sponsor of the web site.' -Karen

'It depends on if what the information is. Articles, and press releases I pretty much believe.' -Tery

'Common sense.' -Lorrie

'The information is backed up by legitimate doctors or news or health, hospital sites. Time tested web sites that have proved themselves.' -Iris

'dunno. but professional image helps I SUPPOSE. Also seeing lots of other people on the bulletin boards helps.' -Mary

'From my own knowledge and experience. I need to have some degree of knowledge and once I have that, I can better judge information I receive. Also, I think there is a lot of COMMON SENSE involved.' -Sue

Who maintains the site?
Government or university-run sites are among the best sources for scientifically sound health and medical information. Private practitioners or lay organizations may have marketing, social or political agendas that can influence the type of material they offer on-site and which sites they link to.

Is there an editorial board or another listing of the names and credentials of those responsible for preparing and reviewing the site's contents?
Can these people be contacted if visitors to the site have questions or want additional information?

Does the site link to other sources of medical information?
A reputable organization will not position itself as the sole source of information on a particular health topic. On the other hand, links alone are not a guarantee of reliability. Since anyone with a Web page can create links to any other site on the Internet--and the owner of the site that is "linked to" has no say over who links to it--then a person offering suspect medical advice could conceivably try to make his or her advice appear legitimate by, say, creating a link to FDA's Web site. What's more, health information produced by FDA or other government agencies is not copyrighted; therefore, someone can quote FDA information at a site and be perfectly within his or her rights. By citing a source such as FDA, experienced marketers using careful wording can make it appear as though FDA endorses their products.

When was the site last updated?
Generally, the more current the site, the more likely it is to provide timely material. Ideally, health and medical sites should be updated weekly or monthly.

Are informative graphics and multimedia files such as video or audio clips available?
Such features can assist in clarifying medical conditions and procedures. Bear in mind, however, that multimedia should be used to help explain medical information, not substitute for it. Some sites provide dazzling "bells and whistles" but little scientifically sound information.

Does the site charge an access fee?
Many reputable sites with health and medical information, including FDA and other government sites, offer access and materials for free. If a site does charge a fee, be sure that it offers value for the money. Use a searcher to see whether you can get the same information without paying additional fees.

If you find something of interest at a site--say, a new drug touted to relieve disease symptoms with fewer side effects--write down the name and address of the site, print out the information, and bring it to your doctor. Your doctor can help determine whether the information is supported by legitimate research sources, such as journal articles or proceedings from a scientific meeting.

In addition, your doctor can determine if the drug is appropriate for your situation. Even if the information comes from a source that is reputed to be reliable, you should check with your doctor to make sure that it is wise for you to begin a certain treatment. Specific situations (such as taking other drugs) may make the therapy an inadvisable choice. Your doctor can decide whether the drug is suitable for you and may be able to offer more appropriate alternatives.

We'll talk all this week about Online Resources and share our favorites. Please join us tonight (Monday) at 9:30pm for an Open Discussion on Online Resources.

Tina Underwood & Community Members
Page last updated on February 25, 2001