Evaluation of patient information Internet web sites about menopause and hormone replacement therapy

To evaluate quality of web based information on the menopause and hormone replacement therapy, to identify whether site ownership is an indicator of both web site and content quality, and therefore to provide guidance for healthcare professionals over which sites are suitable for recommendation to patients.

A search of web sites was conducted using eight commonly used search engines and two key terms ('menopause' and 'hormone replacement therapy') limited to English language. Thus, a sample of 25 sites (of varied ownership) was generated. Using a specific scoring tool, each site was assessed on factual information provided and quality of site. For each criterion, a score of 1-5 was assigned, and two mean scores were generated. Each site was also assessed in a semi-structured qualitative manner.

The mean informational value of the sites sampled was 3.129 (out of a maximum of 5) but with a range of 1.6-4.6. The mean value of the sample for the quality of web sites was higher (3.504) but again over a broad range (2.5-4.5). Certain types of ownership were associated with higher quality sites, including the pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacies, governments, and charities.

The information about menopause and HRT on the web is often of dubious calibre, with incomplete information being commonly provided. Therefore it is recommended that healthcare professionals direct women to sites owned by the pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacies, governments, and charities. In doing so it would be prudent to advise women that commercial sites may be biased towards particular products.