Web Critique: WebMD

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Caveat lector is a Latin phrase meaning, “let the reader beware.” Health information on the internet is growing at an alarming rate. However, some information on the internet is not accurate or current, and unfortunately, many web sites regarding healthcare offer misleading, incomplete, and incorrect information. Many consumers do not have the knowledge to judge and evaluate the quality of online information. This paper aims to discuss how the website WebMD presents information to readers. It will evaluate WebMD according to its source, where was the source obtained; type of funding, is it commercially funded or private; the validity and quality, how valid is the information and can it be verified; and privacy, is your personal information protected and how?

This site was chosen for its popularity and the wealth and breadth of information that are available to anyone with internet access. Tens of millions of people access this website monthly to gain insight and information into their health concerns. WebMD is a resource intended for a wide scope of readers: physicians, nurses, and consumers. The vast majority of users that access WebMD are Caucasian females between the ages of 18-50+ who are college graduates. Literature found on WebMD are: health information, symptom checklist, suggestions for treatment, information on medication, different links to additional information, and a place to store you information for future reference if one desires. All internet users must approach searching for health information through a systematic analytical review process. The evaluation process for a health information Web site should use the same basic principles for evaluation of general Web sites, but since health information can involve ...

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... be a disclaimer on each site regarding obtaining information at your own risk? Should the information be legislated?

Reference

Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2009). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Thede, L. Q., & Sewell, J.P. (2010). Informatics and nursing: Competencies and applications (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

John Hopkins University, The Sheridan Libraries. (2011). Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://www.library.jhu.edu/researchhelp/general/evaluating/index.html

WebMD Better Information. Better Health. (2010, June 16). Retrieved February 12, 2011, from http://www.webmd.com/about-webmd-policies/about-our-sponsors?ss=ftr

Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. (2011, February 10). Retrieved February 11, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebMD

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