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A guide to health information on the Web
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Seeking information about a medical condition is one of the most popular reasons for using the Internet. However, anyone can publish on the Internet and to a large extent information is unregulated. Many sites do offer high quality, useful information; however, there are reports of inaccurate and misleading information.
Here are some useful points to consider when seeking health information:
- Who wrote the information? Check credentials
Was it a doctor/ health professional/ health organisation/individual? - When was the information last updated?
- Consider the source
Are the sources cited and are they reputable and dependable? - Consider the motives of the information
Is the information primarily used to sell or advertise a product or therapy? - Contact the website
Most medical websites provide contact information. If the validity of the information is in doubt try contacting the site to check their sources. If the site refuses to comply then be cautious about the accuracy of the information. - Search engines
If you are using a search engine such as Google or Yahoo start by limiting your search to UK sites, many search engines will give you this option rather than a world wide search. Alternatively you can add ‘UK’ following your search terms. UK sites will be more applicable to the care and treatment you are currently receiving. If you have difficult finding the information try a wider search, however beware that other countries such as America have different health care systems and treatments. - Personal stories/recommendations?
Personal stories and experiences can be useful to read and can help you relate your experiences to that of another. However, remember that what has happened to, or has worked for one person does not necessarily mean it will be the same for everybody. If an individual is suggesting a certain treatment, it is advisable to do some further research and check if there is any scientific evidence supporting the treatment. - Complementary/Alternative treatments
There are many treatments and therapies available which can be used independently or in conjunction with conventional medicine. Therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology have governing bodies and it is advisable that if you are considering consulting with a therapist that you check if their qualifications, registration and experience. Unfortunately there are many other treatments available via the Internet which are unregulated and often come with guaranteed cures and success stories. There is no reason why you should not consider them, however, we do suggest some caution should be taken and always consider the above points. If you are considering an alternative treatment we also suggest you discuss it with your doctor and check for any drug interactions/side effects with your local pharmacist.
Websites produced by a professionally qualified organisation such as NHS Choices or an organisation that specialises in a specific condition are often a good starting point. From these sites there will be links to appropriate sources of further information and support.
Brain and Spine Foundation information
The Brain and Spine Foundation produces booklets and fact sheets on a range of neurological conditions, investigations and treatments.Information on the Brain and Spine Foundation website has been accredited by the Health on the Net Code of Conduct, and certain publications also carry the new Information Standard logo, a quality mark from the Department of Health.
