...Wikipedia is NOT an Appropriate Resource for Consumer Health Information
1. Anyone can write entries or add information to Wikipedia. The content is not necessarily created by experts in the field and may not be accurate.
2. There is no regulation as to how often Wikipedia pages are updated. The information provided could be out of date.
3. Wikipedia entries are not written with the consumer in mind. They often contain technical terms and very scientific content.
For more information on evaluating Health Information on the Web, see Medline Plus's Guide to Health Information
When evaluating a website, look for the HONcode at the bottom of the page. The Health on the Net Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to evaluate online health information. If a website applies for certification and meets the criteria set up by this organization, it is given a HONcode seal which is displayed on the website's footer.
Click here for more information about the HONcode.
The Internet is where most people go to find health information. When working with the public, take the opportunity to teach them how to evaluate which health resources they can trust.
When evaluating health information, look at the following factors:
To learn more about evaluating health information review the following resources:
Some library databases contain patient education handouts that are written at a 3rd to 4th grade reading level. Try using the following resources to find consumer information on drugs or diseases:
