Evaluating
medical sites
Anyone can publish on the internet - and the costs are very
low. How do you know the information you are reading is accurate
?
In short you don't. However there are some useful pointers
which can help you decide and there is a group of like minded
people trying to develop
evaluation guidelines.
We need to remember that the internet is open to all in all
walks of life. You may be interested in data to help prescribe a
drug but your patient may be more interested in a patient support
group. Both exist but the level and accuracy of the information
may be different.
Here are my personal guidelines for judging the accuracy and
reliability of sites carrying medical information:
- Who is publishing the information ?
In general Universities and established peer reviewed
journals care about the accuracy of the material they
publish. If they claim copyright to the data they have
probably checked its accuracy as they are legally liable
for this.
- Which country is the information from ?
Whilst not being prejudiced the standard of medicine and
medical information varies across the globe. Look for the
source of the information and ask yourself ' would I
believe this if it was posted to me ?'.
- When was the data last updated ?
If the data is either out of date or there is no date
then it is unlikely the author cared much about the
accuracy either!
- Can I reply to the author ?
If an author permits his email address to be attached to
the document then he expects people to comment. If you
write to him does he write back ?
- Is there evidence of formal peer review ?
If so then look at the credentials of the review panel.
- Is there external corroboration of the material ?
When an author publishes material he will place links in
the text to other sites. Do other sites have links back
to the information you are interested in ? If so that
information is that much more trustworthy.
- Who paid for the web site ?
We are familiar with the glossy brochure telling you all
the benefits of product X. The same happens on the web.
Look for signs of sponsorship and / or frank advertising.
Sponsorship does NOT mean that the information is
worthless but one must watch out for some degree of bias.
Above all use your medical training. Does the information on a
web site actually make sense. Remember you are a doctor!
back to CME & the Internet
