Lesson 7: Evaluating Online Health Information

Currency

-- Is the information updated regularly? Health information changes constantly as new knowledge about diseases and treatments is gained through research and patient care. Web sites should reflect the most up-to-date information. (Tip: Look for "Last Updated" at the bottom of each page, or for the date an article was written or revised.)

-- Are links to other pages kept current? The presence of "dead" links is a sign the site is not well maintained. (Tip: Click some of the links to see if you get "Page not found" error messages.)

Exercise:

Go to Mayo Clinic – Pain Management Center

1. Click on any section. Does it have a date at the end?
2. Click on a few links under “Related Information” or “Additional Resources.” Do all the links work?

Go to Dr. Ivan's Depression Central and click "Begin Here to Read about Mood Disorders." Look at a few of the sections and notice the lack of dates.

Evaluating Online Health Info
Next section: Purpose