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Health is one of the consistent online topics that countless web page
operations operate online promotional sites. Consumer WebWatch, a US-based
nonprofit research project focused on improving the credibility of online
content, has found that consumers must utilize "extreme caution" when
soliciting information from certain health Web sites.
Consumers International’s "Credibility On The Web" survey presented a
number of cautionary conclusions regarding online citizen’s seeking medical
information or health related treatments online. Consumer WebWatch contributed
to the US portion of the study, which was conducted between April and
July 2002 in 13 countries. In addition, Consumer WebWatch released credibility
data from two supplementary studies. One a joint project with Stanford
University's Persuasive Technology Lab, the other with Mountain View,
California-based Sliced Bread Design, LLC.
The credibility survey reports that health web sites' information as
shaky. They recommend better practices and consumer education. The research,
which is aimed at providing consumers with the necessary tools to distinguish
credible online information from commercially influenced content, included
an investigation of Web sites around the world that provide information
on health -- specifically breast cancer, prostate cancer and allergies.
Findings from Consumers International's "Credibility on the Web" study
include:
- More than half of the health sites examined failed to give warnings
about the appropriate use of their information. (For example, the sites
did not warn consumers that they should consult a professional before
acting on any health advice given.)
- At least 50% of sites that provide advice on medical matters failed
to include full information about the authority and credentials of the
source of that advice.
- 39% of sites that collected personal information did not have a privacy
policy.
- 62% of the sites contained claims that were "vague and unspecific."
- 55% of the sites did not provide any information about the timeliness
of their content.
- More than a fourth of the sites did not provide an address or telephone
number or clear information about who owned them.
- 60% of sites did not indicate whether commercial interests such as
partners, sponsors or advertisers influenced their content.
As a result of these findings, Consumers International warns those seeking
health information online to check a site's background before making any
decisions based on its content and calls on businesses to adopt better
practices and provide credible information. In addition, governmental
organizations can help ensure that existing laws in the "offline world"
are applied equally online and that existing standards are enforced, the
organization says.
Visit http://www.consumersinternational.org
or http://www.consumerwebwatch.org
for more information.
The iBHEALTH.net operations support full disclosure of business practice
and privacy protection for any visitor of a web page operation. The network
recommends that individuals always consult with their doctors prior to
purchasing and/or using advice, products, equipment, and/or programs.
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