Medical Information From Websites - Essay Example

Medical information from websites The advancement in technology allows individuals to access the internet daily. They do this in search of answers to issues they think affect them in their day to day dealings. As such, many websites are coming up every day to address the growing need to have these answers. However, not all of them are certified websites. This means that, many individuals are often forced into thinking they have the right information for the questions they have. One of the most researched fields on the internet nowadays concerns medical care. Many folks search the internet to know more on some of their concerns in terms of health (Miller & Pellen, 2006). Symptoms are searched to see if one might be suffering from something, and the information gathered makes them conclude they need help. This paper will examine three websites that offer information on medical information, and if they follow the needed protocol to give information to the public. In the medical field, there are principles that websites need to abide by before they can say they are capable of offering medical information. In this case, the HONcode is used by these services to give people in need of information on medical issues some assistance. Individuals, more often than not, need guidance before they can access this information (Miller & Pellen, 2006). These websites should provide the right avenue in which they can do this. The HONcode certifies the measures in place that can assist in knowing the credibility of these medical websites. For the HONcode to be used, the websites need to be registered with it before they can claim to follow the principles it uses. In the first website, the WebMD focuses on giving users an overview into some of the most common issues that affect them daily. The HONcode has eight criteria that ensure the website is following some of its principles while providing information to users. In the first criterion, the website immediately stamps its authority. This is through revealing its authors and medical personnel involved in helping run the website. There is a section where their views on critical health issues are offered. It is also complementary. They offer individuals information. They, however, do not advice folks on the medical treatment they need. It, therefore, does not replace the doctor-patient factor. The privacy factor is also upheld through the process of signing in to get personal attention. This is through their privacy policy at the sign in feature. Moreover, published information from other medical personnel is available to users. If one gets to sign in, the problems they exhibit can be backed up by other works, for example, medical journals. Through their sponsor policy, the website can justify their performance over the recent past, hence; provide a user with the ultimatum to continue with the search. Their focus on being transparent is seen in the form of clear contact details about their professionals, and where they can be found. Also, the website’s funding is addressed in the sponsor policy and how many groups are involved. Advertising through the website is also possible. All websites need to clearly advertise the products they have, and any group that is advertising through them is identified. However, they do this away from the editorial section. In the next website, mayoclinic.com, the HONcode principles are also exhibited. In a section for their professionals, the website stamps its authority. Their qualifications are found in this section, which enables the user to feel at ease with the use of the website. The complementary aspect of the website is not brought out because; they do offer medical advice. This is through diagnosing the symptoms an individual has through professional assistance. Privacy is also another issue individuals are concerned with whenever they decide to sign up with such websites. However, in this website, there is the assurance of privacy through the privacy policy they have before admittance. After the diagnosis process, the medical personnel offer cited works from medical journals and health professionals. This brings out the attribution aspect of the website. By having testimonials from former patients, the website becomes justifiable, and its performance becomes rated as exemplary. Accurate contacts from the website on professional help are tantamount in bringing out the website’s transparency. One can also identify the funding sources of the group. There is an indicator that places the visitor’s attention to donations to the website through the different channels available. To advertise with the group, one has to abide by the group’s policy. This is to prevent people from implicating them if any of the advertisements provide wrong details about their activities. This is also done separately from the editorial page to allow visitors time to seek what they are looking for in the editorial page. In the third website, helpguide.org, information provided may assist one to understand the organization better. The website provides the visitor with a section that helps them identify what they are about, hence; enables one to determine whether to seek professional assistance, or decide against it. This is how it shows of its authoritative nature to visitors and members. It is complementary because; it advocates for the provision of information and not the diagnosis or treatment of medical problems. Personal data or information submitted is private and cannot be accessed by any unauthorised personnel. This is with their privacy policy in place to curb such intrusion. Any information they provide to a visitor is backed up by published works from medical journals, or medical professionals. This prevents any doubt that may linger in the visitor’s mind about the information. To make the group’s activities justifiable, they have testimonials from members who had previously used the site. These testimonials offer visitors some hope when visiting the site. The website’s presentation brings out the best of the group’s information. Information about the professionals’ contacts displays the website’s transparency principle. Their funding, being a non-profit organization, is displayed for visitors to see. One can donate funds to allow the progress of their services. Their stand on advertising is seen at the top of their page. Their policy dictates that they provide their information without interference from advertisements. This is vital in every website available. This is to prevent a visitor from trying to go through advertisements before getting the information they need. In conclusion, websites that offer medical advice need to be certified by the HONcode. This may provide them with the criteria to start their websites with information that may be of assistance to visitors. They might also know what to avoid when setting up these websites. Medical websites should be in place to provide information about some of the common medical issues. They are not to be used as a substitute for real medical care. Therefore, they should not behave as such. Individuals need to be careful when looking for information from websites. This prevents them from being trapped into applying for subscription from a service that does not assist them with anything (Ball & Nelson, 2004). References Ball, M. J., & Nelson, R. (2004). Consumer informatics: Applications and strategies in cyber health care. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Helpguide.org (2012). Helpguide helps you help yourself and others. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (1998-2012). Answers. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com Miller, W., & Pellen, R. M. (2006). Evolving internet reference resources. New York: PULP. WebMD (2005-2012). Today’s health news and features. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com Read More