A systematic method for reviewing and analysing health information on consumer-oriented websites

A discussion of a proposed method for analysing the quality of consumer-oriented websites that provide health-related information.

The quality of health information available to consumers online varies widely in quality. In an effort to improve the quality of online information, experts have undertaken systematic reviews on selected health topics; however, no standardized comprehensive methodology currently exists for such review.

An eight-step method is recommended embracing the following steps: (a) select topic; (b) determine the purpose of the analysis; (c) select search terms and engines; (d) develop and apply website inclusion and exclusion criteria; (e) develop processes and tools to manage search results; (f) specify measures of quality; (g) compute readability; (h) evaluate websites. Each of these steps is illustrated in relation to the health topic of gynaecomastia, a physical and mental health challenge for many adolescent males and young men.

Although most extant analyses of consumer-oriented websites have focused on disease conditions and their treatment, website analysis methodology would encourage analyses that fall into the nursing care domain.

The method outlined in this paper is intended to provide nurses and others who work with specific patient populations with the tools needed for website analytic studies. Such studies provide a foundation for making recommendations about quality websites, and identifying gaps in online information for health consumers.