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Evaluating the Open Web for Health Information

When evaluating the credibility of Internet websites for evidence-based nursing practices, you should ask many questions:

  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information from a recognized authority? e.g. American Diabetes Association
  • Does the authority or organization providing the information state its purpose? Check for an About Us link.
  • Is the information complete, accurate and scientifically valid? Note the date it was last updated.
  • Is the author biased or trying to sell something. Domains or web addresses of .edu, .gov, and .org are often better than .com
  • Will the information help the patient? 

For more information on evaluating websites, check out these links:

-A User's Guide to Finding and Evaluating Health Information on the Web from the Medical Library Association
-Guide to Healthy Web Surfing from Medline Plus