Evaluating the Quality of Diabetes Information on the Internet
Author Information
Author(s): Joshua J Seidman, Donald Steinwachs, Haya R Rubin, Russell E Glasgow
Primary Institution: Center for Information Therapy, Healthwise, Inc
Hypothesis
This research sought to build a conceptual framework that could lay the groundwork for a robust performance-measurement system for evaluating the quality of Internet health information.
Conclusion
The development and implementation of a reliable and valid method for evaluating the quality of Internet health sites could provide lay people with a tool to identify useful content more easily and distinguish between beneficial and misleading information.
Supporting Evidence
- Most existing tools for measuring the quality of Internet health information focus almost exclusively on structural criteria.
- Performance measures related to accuracy and comprehensiveness of information can be added to structural criteria.
- High-quality health information is a prerequisite for quality health services.
Takeaway
This study is about creating a way to check if health information on the Internet is good or bad, especially for diabetes. It helps people find trustworthy information online.
Methodology
Application of the quality-of-care measurement paradigm to developing a conceptual framework for defining and evaluating the quality of diabetes consumer-information Web sites.
Potential Biases
The reliance on self-regulation and intent of organizations rather than actual performance poses a risk of bias.
Limitations
The study acknowledges that many existing evaluation tools are not scientifically developed and lack validation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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