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Internet can't cure all ills

Millions go to online sites for health news, advice, but experts urge caution

Rachel Brand, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 30, 2006 at midnight

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Dr. Google is ready for its next patient.

Ten million Americans log onto the Internet each day to get health news and advice.

Many of them are logging on for family or friends, and a majority make decisions based on the information they find, according to a new study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

"People are not making health decisions necessarily independent of a doctor," said Susannah Fox, the study's author. "They are using the Internet to confirm decisions, to reassure themselves."

While using the Internet to get a second opinion is helpful, the accuracy of the findings is questionable.

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control found that just 4 percent of frequently visited health Web sites disclose their sources, and just 2 percent list how often the site is updated.

"It's not that consumers aren't interested in this stuff," Fox said. "They are actually finding they can't find it because Web sites aren't listing it."

Uncited information may be biased or incomplete, experts say.

A drug company Web site might contain accurate information about a disease but fail to mention a competitor's cheaper medicine.

And medicine evolves every year, making the date important.

"Our concern is that a substantial amount of the information (patients) can get is inaccurate, misleading and possibly a threat to their health," said Denver psychiatrist Dr. Jeremy Lazarus on behalf of the American Medical Association.

The Medical Library Association recommends that users verify a Web site's sponsorship and timeliness.

Sites also should clearly separate fact from opinion and state whether the information is intended for patients or health professionals, according to the MLA.

Despite the hunger for online health information, consumer satisfaction is mixed.

The Pew Project says three-quarters of health care users feel reassured after going online, and the majority feel comforted and confident.

But JupiterResearch said only 16 percent of users always find the information they are looking for online.

The problem stems from general search engines such as Yahoo! or Google not directing searchers to specialized sites.

"We don't agree that people are satisfied," said JupiterResearch analyst Monique Levy. "What they have today is better than what they had for many years.

"Yes, it is working well enough, but it could be better."

The Pew study also found that acting as "online research assistant" is a new way people help loved ones who are ill.

Much like bringing food or sending a greeting card, conducting an online search has become a way to express support, researchers conclude.

Medicine online

Top five health Web sites, visitors per month

1. Web MD Health    14.3 million

2. National Institutes of Health    9.3 million

3. About.com Health    5.2 million

4. Yahoo! Health    4.6 million

5. Waterfront Media    3.9 million

Recommended medical Web sites

• The National Cancer Institute

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• The American Academy of Family Physicians http//familydoctor.org

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• HIV Insite http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/

• Kids Health

• The Mayo Clinic

• Medical Library http://medem.com/MedLB/medlib_entry.cfm

• Medline http://medlineplus.gov/

• New York Online Access to Health www.noah-health.orgWaterfront Media Includes Everyday Health Network, Pregnancy And Family Network, Sonomadiet.Com, Southbeachdiet.Com, Jillianmichaels.Com, Deniseau ...

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Comments

  • August 30, 2008

    6:38 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    gerardowmby writes:

    All those listed are from the medical establishment. Where are the doctors who tell us that western medicine is unscientific?