Unit 2: Evaluating Health Information on the Internet
Learning Objectives
- Through the completion of the MedlinePlus tutorial, describe and identify the important components of online health information
- Differentiate high-quality health information from lower-quality health information on the Internet
- Effectively locate and appraise online health information
Introduction
As mentioned in the previous module, health literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (CDC, 2021). With so much health information readily available on the Internet, it is often difficult for consumers to discern the quality of the information they are reading. In this module, you will learn how to go through the steps on how to obtain quality health information.
To Do List
- Complete MedlinePlus tutorial and review Trust It or Trash It Website
- Review two health information articles and appraise each for quality
- Submit a reflection on assigned activities and report your experience on appraising health information online
- Browse and review additional resources (optional)
MedlinePlus Tutorial and Trust It or Trash It Website
Evaluating Internet Health Information: A Tutorial From the National Library of Medicine
Activity
Test your knowledge! Now that you have completed the MedlinePlus tutorial and have reviewed the Trust It or Trash It Website, search the web for two health articles. The two articles should be on the same topic.
- One article should be located on a website ending with .com, .biz, or .co.
- The other article should end with .edu, .org, or .gov.
- Review each site for quality. You may use the MedlinePlus tutorial or Trust It or Trash It site to determine its quality.
Reflection
Before continuing onto the next and final unit, complete the form to reflect on the unit tutorial and activity.
https://forms.gle/SkanpJU5ppGKWVk47
Additional Resources
Genetic Alliance. Trust It or Trash It? Creating & Assessing Genetic Health Information. Washington (DC): Genetic Alliance; 2010. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK115535/
How To Evaluate Health Information on the Internet: Questions and Answers
Return to Evaluating Online Health Information Mini-Course
Return to Unit 1: An Introduction to Health Literacy
Go on to Unit 3: Integrating Health Literacy Skills in the Classroom
