DIY Doctor: Checklist for safe sites

Next time you're searching the web for health information, keep this checklist handy.

From HealthSmart Magazine

1. Check that the website owner has clearly disclosed his or her name, and that the site has contact details. Is he or she a medical professional? If not, has their perspective been clearly stated? For example, "I'm a breast cancer survivor," or "I've had acupuncture every week for the past ten years."

2. If the site is owned by an organisation, is it a credible health authority? The web address can provide clues here. For example, a government agency has .gov in the address; an educational institution has .edu; a professional organisation such as a scientific or research society has .org.

3. Does the site contain the HONcode seal that shows approval by the Health on the Net Foundation?

4. Is the information presented factual or opinion? If factual, does it provide source material such as medical journals or links to university websites? If opinion, does it state the medical qualifications of the person giving that opinion? Does the site list advisory board members or consultants?

5. When talking about treatments, does it provide information on how they work, the pros and cons, and any alternatives?

6. Does the site offer clear instructions about how the information should be used? Are there cautions? Does it explain that the information should never be used as a substitute for visiting a health professional?

7. When was the information updated? Health information changes constantly, so it's important to be frequently updated.

8. And finally, is there any potential for bias? Can you easily identify any sponsors or commercial affiliations?

Based on guidelines from the Health on the Net Foundation, the US Medical Library Association, and the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.