Health information from the internet

Health information from the internet

by A/Prof KC Lun

"With a click of the mouse, parents are faced with an overwhelming array of health-related websites and health-related articles. How can you ensure that this information you are receiving is not overly simplified, incomplete or even inaccurate as cited in a study published in the May, 2001 issue of the *Journal of the American Medical Association. To give some tips in obtaining reliable health information from the Internet is Associate Professor KC Lun, director of the Medical Informatics Program at the National University of Singapore. He is also the director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Informatics.

* Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 285 No. 20, May 23/30, 2001.

Interview with Associate Professor KC Lun
by Sherlin S.C. Ong
Senior Regional Nutritionist/Dietitian
M.Sc, RD

Sherlin: Is all the information on the Internet reliable?

Dr Lun: Although there is a plethora of health information on the Internet, not all is reliable. In fact, there have been a lot of concerns on misinformation on the Internet and the consequences of this misinformation on the health of unwitting people who use it on themselves.

Sherlin: Who should these people seek verification from?

Dr Lun: It is advisable that they consult their doctor after they have read something on the Internet. Even if the website they have visited seems highly credible, it is always safer to discuss the information they have read with their doctor before taking action. Though, it is the onus of the general practitioners to educate and appraise the health websites on the Internet. The public is encouraged not to use the Internet health information as a substitute for consultation with their doctor.

Sherlin: What are the guidelines for evaluating the websites?

Dr Lun: To check whether the information is trustworthy, make sure that the website you are visiting is credible. A credible website should have the following features:

• references or sources of the information listed
• the information on health or medical should come from a medically trained and qualified professional
• information has been peer reviewed or is evidence-based
• if a website promotes a particular product, service or treatment, always check to see if this is backed by unbiased scientific evidence. If possible, the website should also have links to these evidences
• the site should be updated regularly with a revision date posted
• make sure that the website respects your confidentiality and privacy when you are required to subscribe or register with the site

Sherlin: Could you recommend a few websites that offer good health information on the Internet?

Dr Lun: There are now so many health websites on the Internet that it is difficult to offer recommendations. Here are a few trusted general sites:

HealthFinder, a service of the US Dept of Health and Human Services
US National Institutes of Health
World Health Organization
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mayo Clinic
Medscape
Reuters Health
Dr Koop
WebMD Health
Child Nutrition in Asia

Sherlin: Any final advice to parents regarding the use of Internet health information?

Dr Lun: Parents should use this health information to participate more actively in their own care. It should not substitute with face-to-face consultation with their doctor because this is still a very integral part of continuity of care provided by their doctor unavailable through other means.

Interviewed by:
Sherlin S.C. Ong
Senior Regional Nutritionist/Dietitian
M.Sc., R.D.
May 2001