Being able to have more control over and improve our health is what health
promotion is all about. At the CHN, we believe that having access to trustworthy
health information is key to our ability to take control over and improve our
health. The Internet offers a richness of health information, but wading through
hit after hit to find trustworthy, high quality and health promoting
information can be difficult. How do you know what's good information and what's
less reliable? In consultation with a panel of experts on health information,
we have put together a checklist to help you in your search for health information
on the Internet.
Checklist for a great health promotion Web site
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Is the resource credible?
- Is the author's name (or the name of the organization responsible for
the document) clearly stated?
- If the author is identified, is he or she a professional or accredited
authority on the subject?
- If not, does the author state his/her perspective on the subject?
For example, by saying "I'm a cancer survivor," or "I've
used chiropractors for 10 years"?
- If an organization is responsible for the information, is it
a reputable organization recognized as an authority on the subject?
- If medical information is given by a non-professional, is this
clearly said?
- What kinds of evidence are provided to endorse a specific treatment
or service? Keep in mind that scientific studies and research have a different
credibility than first-hand experience.
- Does the site provide contact information about the author (for
example, full name, address, phone number, e-mail address)?
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Is the content relevant to you?
- Does the content discuss the issue(s) you're interested in?
- Does it match what you are looking for?
- Is there enough detail or does the information seem superficial?
- Does the site have original content or does it only link to other
sites?
- Is the information presented within a Canadian context?
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Does the site reflect a broad view of health?
For example, does the content seem to recognize that health:
- has many elements
- is dynamic and changing
- can be different for different groups of people, and
- is determined by many factors, including basic things like income?
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Is the resource timely?
- Is the information reviewed and/or updated often enough given
the content? For example, if it deals with the latest in safety features
on child car seats, has it been changed lately?
- Is the date of the last update clearly marked on each item or
screen?
- If information is only valid for a short time, is this fact clearly
labeled?
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Is there clear and adequate disclosure?
- Is the author's interest and/or mandate in developing and sharing
this information clear? For example, is a non-profit organization trying
to promote exercise and active living or is a fitness product company
trying to sell you exercises equipment?
- Is there potential for bias or conflict of interest? For example,
is a company telling you that only their product or service is valuable?
- Are both (or all) sides of the issue presented?
- If not, does the resource state that it presents only one side
of an issue? For example, a site that promotes a vegetarian diet should
indicate that there are other dietary options, or clearly state that they
are only presenting one side of a multifaceted issue.
- Are commercial links and/or sponsorships clearly stated?
- Are these sponsorships separate from the health information content?
- If the site collects or requests information about you, do they
tell you exactly why they want this information?
- Are their privacy guidelines stated?
- If you have to register to use the site, is the reason clear
and your privacy ensured?
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Are there clear caution statements?
- Does the site offer a clear statement that health information should not be taken as health advice or a substitute for visiting a health professional?
- If there are fees associated with use of the resources on the site, are they
clearly explained?
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Is the site user-friendly?
- Is the information presented in a clear manner?
- Can you contact the author/administrator by e-mail if you have
difficulties using the site
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Is the site accessible to groups with all types of income, education,
culture and other similar factors?
- For example, if users can download information from the site,
is there a toll-free number so people without the proper software can
get the information they need in another format?
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Does the site treat you with respect?
- For example, is the "voice" the site uses to talk to
readers friendly? An example of an unfriendly voice is one that seems
to place all of the responsibility for health on the individual; a friendly,
health promoting site would recognize the many other factors that affect
people's health.
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Does the site support a variety of activities?
- For example, is there mention of ways to address your concerns
through, for example, community-building or advocacy?
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Does the site give you opportunities to participate?
- For example, is there an e-mail address where you can write to
offer feedback, make suggestions, or get involved in actions in your area
of concern?
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