A perspective on healthcare related web interfaces

Consumer retrieval of health information through the internet has become prevalent. In the past, physicians provided filtered health information to the consumer. However, the availability of health related information including disease specific research trends over the World Wide Web is useful for clinicians and consumers. The use of internet based health care information by clinicians and consumers have increased in recent years. Nonetheless, consumers often have difficulties in evaluating such data in a comprehensive manner. Here, we describe the current status of health care related data over the World Wide Web.