Constructing and validating a consumer health portal rating index

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Information Science
• Consumer Health

Background:

• The proliferation of web-based consumer health information portals necessitates robust evaluation methods.
• Assessing the design and information quality of these portals is crucial for user trust and reliable health decision-making.
• Existing evaluation instruments often lack transparency in their construction and validation processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an evaluation framework for web-based consumer health information portals.
• To enhance transparency in the assessment of health information quality and portal design.
• To introduce a consumer health portal index based on established guidelines and rigorous testing.

Main Methods:

• The study adapted an evaluation framework drawing from Slack (2001) and the HONcode guidelines.
• A consumer health portal index was developed.
• Face and content validity of the index were tested using a series of focus groups, following Sullivan's 5-step process.

Main Results:

• A validated evaluation framework and a consumer health portal index were developed.
• Focus group testing confirmed the face and content validity of the index.
• The research highlights the need for greater transparency in the development and validation of rating instruments for health information.

Conclusions:

• The developed consumer health portal index provides a valid tool for evaluating web-based health information.
• Increased transparency in evaluation instrument validation is essential for improving the reliability of online health resources.
• This framework contributes to better assessment of quality and design in consumer health portals.