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Quality Evaluation of Consumer Health Information Websites Found on Google Using DISCERN, CRAAP, and HONcode
Ivan A Portillo1, Catherine V Johnson2, Scott Y Johnson3
1Leatherby Libraries, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA.
Medical Reference Services Quarterly
|November 9, 2021
Summary
Evaluating online health websites is crucial for combating misinformation. MedlinePlus emerged as the most reliable source, despite not having HONcode certification, based on DISCERN and CRAAP assessments.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Information Science
- Consumer Health Information
Background:
- Online health misinformation poses a significant risk to public health.
- Reliable health information is essential for informed decision-making by consumers and professionals.
- Evaluating the trustworthiness of health websites is a critical need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the most frequently appearing consumer health information websites.
- To evaluate the reliability and trustworthiness of these top-ranking health websites.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Google COVID-19 Search Trends to identify top consumer health websites.
- Assessed website quality using established evaluation tools: HONcode certification, DISCERN, and CRAAP.
- Analyzed the top five most frequently appearing websites.
Main Results:
- The top five websites identified were WebMD, Mayo Clinic, Healthline, MedlinePlus, and Medical News Today.
- All evaluated websites, except MedlinePlus, held HONcode certification.
- MedlinePlus demonstrated the highest reliability based on DISCERN and CRAAP scores.
Conclusions:
- MedlinePlus is identified as the most reliable health website among the top contenders.
- Website reliability assessment is crucial for navigating online health information.
- Further research into the factors contributing to MedlinePlus's high reliability is warranted.
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