About one-half to 74 percent of all US Internet users have used it to obtain health information or support, and two-thirds of all US households are predicted to be online by 2003. Documented cases of harm resulting from use of health Web sites are relatively rare, but poor quality, misleading, or fraudulent health sites are common. Ensuring quality of online health resources is critical because the variety and sophistication of health Web sites have increased dramatically. In addition, commercial companies have recently entered the online health arena and virtually all of the most visited health Web sites are commercial sites. It is unclear if the shift toward commercial sites will increase or reduce the overall quality of online resources. However, because some of these companies may have conflicts of interests or biases in how they present information, consumers will need objective, unbiased guidance on the selection and interpretation of online resources. Surveys show that consumers trust their health care provider as a source of health information more so than other sources. As trusted information intermediaries, health professionals should promote the development and diffusion of high quality health Web sites. Clinicians can add tremendous value to the provider-patient relationship by being more "information friendly" and helping patients locate and interpret online health resources. Health organizations and public health departments can assess gaps in online resources in their community and develop high quality sites that address those needs. They can also evaluate relevant online resources and provide objective guidance to users.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss recent trends in the rise and commercialization of health Web sites and their implications for health communication and public health 2. Identify ways that health professionals can help consumers select and interpret online health resources
Keywords: Internet, Quality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.