Finding reliable health information

Learning about your health issues or medical conditions is an important part of managing your health. The best place to start is with healthcare professionals. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or allied health professional when you have medical questions, so you can fully understand your options. Explaining your health conditions to you is part of their job.

Reliable health information can also be found in pharmacies, doctors’ clinics, and community health centers, but it can be harder to find trustworthy information elsewhere.

Where reliable information comes from#

Reputable sources include:

• trusted health websites, such as government health sites and those run by recognized international bodies like the World Health Organization
• condition-specific sites and support organization sites
• medical journals

Other sources may be less reliable. It is best to approach them with an open mind, because they may be inaccurate. These include magazine or TV stories and advertisements, advice from family and friends, and websites that are promoting a product.

Some products or treatments may claim to be “scientifically tested,” but that does not mean they are “scientifically proven.” If a source discusses health research, it should link to the research, and even then the study may not be reputable. Only your healthcare professionals can give advice tailored to your situation.

Anyone can create a website, and there is no “gatekeeper” to make sure online health information is reliable. Working out which information is trustworthy is not always easy. As access to health research grows, so do the risks of misinterpreting it, and it becomes harder for any one person to get a complete and balanced picture.

Researching health information online#

There are plenty of reliable sources online, including government-endorsed health websites, recognized professional bodies, and established condition-specific organizations. When using less well-known sources, consider the following.

Who provides the information? The “About us” page usually tells you who runs the site. It may be a legitimate health organization or an individual, such as someone sharing their own experience of an illness.

Quality control. Does the site have an editorial board? Is the information reviewed by qualified experts before it is published? This is often noted on the “About us” page.

Be skeptical of online health products. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of promises of quick and easy results, or words like “secret ingredient.” A serious provider will be open about their products, and you can check whether their claims are supported on more than one website.

What is the evidence? Look for reputable medical research to back up claims. Do not trust testimonials from people you do not know, as they may have been paid or given free products.

Is it up to date? Check the date the information was posted or when the site was last updated; this is usually at the bottom of the page.

Watch for bias. Consider who funds the website and what its purpose is. If it is funded by a company that only recommends its own products, or has a particular philosophical bias, take this into account.

Is your privacy protected? Health information should be confidential. Be cautious of sites that ask for personal information or share your details without permission. Most reputable sites publish a privacy policy.

Health support groups#

Condition-focused support groups can increase your knowledge about an illness and help you live more comfortably with it. They also let you connect with others in similar situations.

If you receive advice about treatments or providers through a support group, online or in person, check with a healthcare professional you trust before starting anything new. Tell your doctor if you plan to stop a prescribed treatment and explain why, as it is important to understand the risks of stopping or changing a treatment.

Check who runs the group, including online groups. It might be a government healthcare organization, a non-profit organization, or someone who has experienced the condition, such as a patient or carer. Be aware of groups run by pharmaceutical companies, which may use them to promote their own products, and of any financial or religious ties that could influence a group’s views on treatments. Not all support groups are part of a trusted health system. If this information is hard to find on a site, you can email or phone the organization to ask.

Telling information apart from advertising#

Some brochures and websites are written by companies looking to sell a product or service. They may only discuss the aspects of a condition that suit their product. Others, like unsolicited emails or “spam,” offer no real information and simply promise fast or exceptional results from products they want you to buy.

When reading health information, see whether it is recommending a particular clinic or specific product; if so, you may not be getting all the facts. Other warning signs include:

• information that criticizes medical staff and medication
• use of anecdotes or testimonials instead of science-based evidence
• claims to cure diseases that are currently incurable

Reliable information can appear in health and fitness magazines that have quality control measures and base their advice on new studies and expert opinion. Many clearly label paid advertising (for example, “advertising feature”) separately from endorsed content. Check with your doctor before beginning any new treatment or health program.

Social media and friends#

Talking about health issues online or with friends can provide valuable emotional support, but remember that people who are not qualified healthcare professionals cannot always give reliable medical advice. Someone may share your condition but have a different medical history and different needs, so their treatment may not be right for you. Online chats are no substitute for proper medical advice, and any suggested treatments should be discussed with your doctor.

If you have health or medical questions#

• Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or community health center about specific health or medical concerns.
• Medical telephone helplines, including after-hours and nurse advice lines, can be a quick way to reach a qualified professional.
• Look for health brochures at your local hospital, doctor’s office, or community health center.
• Speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Key points#

• Educating yourself about your health is important, but healthcare professionals are the best source of advice tailored to you.
• When using online sources, check who runs the site, whether content is expert-reviewed, how current it is, and who funds it.
• Be cautious of products or sources that promise quick results, rely on testimonials, or exist mainly to sell something.
• Tell your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment, and understand the risks involved.

Where to get help#