Vikram Tangri1, Nilesh Chande. 1. Department of Medicine, The University of Western Ontario and London Health Sciences Center, London, Ontario. vtangri2008@meds.uwo.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Internet is becoming an increasingly common source of health information for patients. OBJECTIVE: To examine the quality of gastrointestinal disease- and symptom-related Internet sites that might be searched by patients. METHODS: A total of 120 websites were evaluated from July to November 2009 using the DISCERN instrument to determine the quality of content of health and treatment information. RESULTS: There was substantial variability in the quality of Internet resources regarding gastrointestinal diseases and their symptoms. Information-based and institutional websites were rated highest. Resources related to celiac disease, colon cancer and abdominal pain scored the highest. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the quality of web-based resources was variable. Because patient education is important in the management of gastroenterological diseases, the increasing use of the Internet poses new opportunities and challenges for physicians.
BACKGROUND: The Internet is becoming an increasingly common source of health information for patients. OBJECTIVE: To examine the quality of gastrointestinal disease- and symptom-related Internet sites that might be searched by patients. METHODS: A total of 120 websites were evaluated from July to November 2009 using the DISCERN instrument to determine the quality of content of health and treatment information. RESULTS: There was substantial variability in the quality of Internet resources regarding gastrointestinal diseases and their symptoms. Information-based and institutional websites were rated highest. Resources related to celiac disease, colon cancer and abdominal pain scored the highest. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the quality of web-based resources was variable. Because patient education is important in the management of gastroenterological diseases, the increasing use of the Internet poses new opportunities and challenges for physicians.
Authors: Sander van der Marel; Marjolijn Duijvestein; James C Hardwick; Gijs R van den Brink; Roeland Veenendaal; Daniel W Hommes; Herma H Fidder Journal: Inflamm Bowel Dis Date: 2009-05-21 Impact factor: 5.325
Authors: Shawna L McNally; Michael C Donohue; Kimberly P Newton; Sandra P Ogletree; Kristen K Conner; Sarah E Ingegneri; Martin F Kagnoff Journal: Interact J Med Res Date: 2012-04-04