It provides an easy and accessible forum to share, disseminate, and use information. However, anyone can post information on the Internet regardless of background, medical qualifications, professional stature, or intention. With many people searching the Internet for health and medical information, the quality of that information becomes critical. Health information can be posted by anyone with access and an interest in going public with their ideas. The sources of health information include product vendors, government agencies, universities, medical centers, and individuals.
Many sources are authoritative and valid.
Some, however, are well meant but misinformed, while still others may deliberately mislead the consumer. For example, a site may promote its own product in a manner that suggests it is superior to others, without providing information that allows the reader realize the site is operated by the manufacturer and not an unbiased health official. Thus, while there is a wealth of health information available, there is often no guarantee of its quality. Check the date. Recommend that patients check the dates of any data they find.