Determining Web Validity at a Glance

 

 

The following is a simple guide on how to quickly determine web validity at a glance. What do we mean by web validty? Well, it basically means whether a website you've just found is reliable or not. The mnemonic www will serve to help you remember the following guidance. For those who want to know more, click on one of the links at the end of this section.

 

Here are the three w's.

 

 

 

WHO

 

Look at the

  • - URL is another name for the web address; it often gives you some clue. So, a website like www.sallysguidetodrugs.com should put you off)
  • - author's or organization's credentials. You'll find it in the 'about us' or 'contact us' section.
  • - support for the website: is it from a recognised support group?
  • - who maintains the site: is it a reputable health organization

 

  • Be wary of 
  • (1) web sites advertising 
  • (2) selling products
  • (3) claim to improve your health
  • (4) bulletin boards
  • (5) "chat" room sessions

 

 

 

  • WHERE

    • -
    • Where::
    • - does the source of the information comes from (?quoted journals etc)
    • - are they located; in which country?

 

Again, most of this information is usually in the 'about us' and 'contact us' pages.

 

 

 

  • WHEN

    • When was the material you are looking at created?
    • And how often is the site updated

 

If it is not obvious from the page you are viewing, take a look at the 'about us' page again.

 

 

 

Overall Impression?

 

Overall impressions count too. Ask yourself whether the information or advice seems to contradict what you already know as a doctor. Cross check against other resources.

 

 

 

Other Resources:

http://www.judgehealth.org.uk/

Powerpoint on “judging quality on the web”