Medical Links 

To help to judge health information you find on the internet you may wish to use the tips produced by the IM&T subgroup of the General Practitioner Committee:-

1. Always seek a balanced view. Never rely on information from just one site.
2. Check that documents can also be found in a journal or library. Anyone can publish anything on the internet - it is far more difficult to get something published in a scientific journal.
3. Authors should be identified and credentials and qualifications listed.
4. Looked for references on the site to other credited material.
5. Look for evidence that the site is regularly updated. The date the information was published should be made obvious.
6. Look for advertising or commercial links. The backer may influence the opinion expressed.
7. Look for balance of opinion on a range of issues - opinionated sites could be 'single-issue mavericks'.
8. Be wary of anything that criticizes or disparages
9. Look for evidence of an editorial board.
10. Avoid on-line consultations or diagnoses.
11. Check a site's statements on privacy and confidentiality.
12. Be wary of miracle cures.

NB The links below are given in good faith, the Greensands Medical Practice believe all these to be reputable websites and the advice they may give will be of benefit. The information contained in these websites is however not under our control so no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions.

© Greensands Medical Practice 24/5/2000 & 17/05/06
Last updated 17/05/06