Other information may not be as reliable as that from healthcare professionals. It is best to assess other sources of medical information with an open mind as they may be inaccurate. These include magazine or TV stories or ads, advice from family and friends, or websites that may be promoting a product. Some healthcare products or treatments may say they are ‘scientifically tested’ but this does not mean they are ‘scientifically proven’. If they do talk about health research, they should provide a link to the research information. Even then, the study may not be reputable. Only your healthcare professionals, such as your local doctor, can provide the most appropriate health advice. Anyone can create a website, so there is no ‘gatekeeper’ to make sure that online health information is reliable. Working out which information is trustworthy is not always easy. As access to health research and evidence increases, so do the risks of misinterpreting it, and the chances of any one person getting a complete and balanced picture decreases. When it comes to health and medical information, there are plenty of reliable sources available online through government-endorsed health websites (such as Better Health Channel), peak industry bodies (such as the Australian Medical Association) and peak condition-specific organisations (such as beyondblue and Cancer Council Victoria). When searching for health information from less well-known online sources consider:
Health support groupsMedical condition-focused support groups can increase your knowledge about your illness and help you learn to live more comfortably with it. They also allow you to connect with other people going through similar situations to you. If you receive advice about medical treatments or providers through a support group (either online or in person), check with a healthcare professional you trust before starting on a new treatment regimen. Tell your doctor if you plan to stop the treatment they have prescribed and explain why. It is important that you understand any risks involved in stopping or changing a medical treatment. Check who runs the group (including online groups). It might be a government healthcare organisation (such as the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre), a non-profit organisation (such as Alzheimer’s Australia) or someone who has experienced the condition (such as a patient or carer). Be aware of support groups run by pharmaceutical companies – they may be using the group to promote their products exclusively. As well, be aware of any financial or religious ties that may influence a particular group’s attitude on things like treatments. Not all support groups will be part of a trusted health system. This information can be difficult to find on some sites. If it isn’t included in sections of the website like About us, you could send the organisation an email or phone them up to find out the answers to your questions. Some health brochures and websites are written by pharmaceutical companies or other businesses looking to sell a product or service. While they can provide some information, they may only talk about the aspects of the condition that supports their product or service. Some, like unsolicited emails or ‘spam’, do not offer any information, instead promising fast or exceptional results from (often fake) medication that they want you to buy. When reading information, see if they are recommending a service with a particular clinic or specific product. If they are, you may not be getting all the facts. Other danger signs include information that criticises medical staff and medication, use of anecdotes or testimonials instead of science-based proof, and claims to cure incurable diseases like AIDS or arthritis. Reliable health information may be found in health and fitness-focused magazines that have quality control measures in place, and base their health advice on new studies and expert opinion. Many also make it clear what content is actually paid advertising (with headings like ‘advertising feature’) and what is content endorsed by the magazine. Check with your doctor before beginning any new treatment or health-related program. While talking about medical issues online or with friends can provide emotional support, it is worth remembering when they are not qualified healthcare professionals and cannot always give reliable medical advice. Someone may share the same medical issue as you, but they will have a different medical history. They will have different needs, so their medical treatment may not be the same as yours. Chatting with friends on social media sites like Facebook is no substitute for proper medical advice. Any suggested medical treatments should be discussed with your doctor. If you have health or medical questionsAsk a doctor, pharmacist or community health centre if you have specific health or medical questions. Medical telephone helplines including the after-hours GP helpline or NURSE-ON-CALL can also be a quick way to find reliable medical information or discuss your health issues with a qualified healthcare professional Where to get helpThis page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. |