[Animation] How to find trustworthy health information
In today’s digital world, health information is very easy to access – it’s all there at the touch or tap of a button. But it can be difficult to know how trustworthy it is. Unfortunately, there is a lot of fake health news and information on the internet. This Health Information Week, I share some ways to check the information you’re using is trustworthy, reliable and accurate.
Having round-the-clock access to high-quality health information can help you take control of your health and discover ways to live well. But fake or misleading health information can be scaremongering and even dangerous. It’s not always easy to know who to trust when searching for health information online. And fake news often spreads faster than the truth. You might even like, share or act on misinformation without realising.
So how can you make sure that the health information you’re reading online is trustworthy, reliable and accurate? Ask yourself these four questions, to find the facts, stop misinformation and spot fake health news.
1. Who is it coming from?
Start by asking yourself if the information has come from a credible source. Look at who the author is and if the right experts have helped to produce the information. Then look for an accreditation or mark of quality, such as the Patient Information Forum tick. This is only awarded to organisations who follow high quality standards when producing health information.
2. Where have the facts come from?
Make sure any claims are backed up by high-quality sources. Trustworthy organisations will be open about how they produced their information. Many will also include a list of sources so you can check where their facts came from and find out more.
3. When was it produced?
Check when the information was published or updated. Medical research is constantly evolving, so information should be dated within the last three years or less.
4. What do I understand now?
Finally, the information should be clear, free from complex language, medical jargon, and spelling mistakes. The best providers of health information will do their best to untangle the science and make it as easy as possible for you to understand.
So next time you’re searching for health information online, protect yourself and others from harmful misinformation by asking: Who, where, when and what?
It can sometimes be difficult to tell a trustworthy website from an unreliable one. Here are four key signs you can look out for.
1. Who is it coming from?
Experts have helped produce it
Start by asking yourself if the information has come from a credible source. Check for signs of expert involvement – for example, a named doctor has written or reviewed the information. This shows that the information been checked by a relevant medical professional before being published.
The website has a quality mark
Look for an accreditation or mark of quality, such as the Patient Information Forum tick. This is only awarded to organisations who follow high quality standards when producing health information.
2. Where have the facts come from?
High quality sources are easy to see
Many reputable websites will give details of the original sources that their facts come from, so you can see that the claims are based on good evidence. You can often find a list of sources at the bottom of the page or they are available on request. The sources should always be based on dependable research, such as large scientific studies or clinical guidelines, rather than personal blogs or newspaper articles.
The claims are backed up
Trustworthy organisations will be open about how they produce their information. For example, there may be an ‘About us’ section on the website that explains how the information is produced. Many will also include a list of other helpful websites where you can find more high-quality information.
3. When was it produced?
There’s a published date
Check when the information was published or updated. Check if there is a published or ‘last reviewed’ date on the page. Often, it’s a the top or bottom of the page.
The information is three years old or less
Ideally, the information should have been produced or updated within the last three years. Medical science and research are always moving forward, and the advice can change quickly. The best websites will make sure to regularly update their pages.
4. What do I understand now?
It’s clear and easy to understand
Finally, the information should be clear, free from complex language, medical jargon, and spelling mistakes. It shouldn’t feel like you’re reading an academic journal article!
Untangling the science!
The best providers of health information will do their best to untangle the science and make it as easy as possible for you to understand.
So next time you’re searching for health information online, protect yourself and others from harmful misinformation by asking: Who, where, when and what?
Other helpful websites
- SHARE checklist
HM Government
sharechecklist.gov.uk - The Patient Information Forum
piftick.org.uk - Trusted health information providers
About our health information
At Bupa we produce a wealth of free health information for you and your family. This is because we believe that trustworthy information is essential in helping you make better decisions about your health and wellbeing.
Our information has been awarded the PIF TICK for trustworthy health information. It also follows the principles of the The Information Standard.
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Legal disclaimer
This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.
Any information about a treatment or procedure is generic, and does not necessarily describe that treatment or procedure as delivered by Bupa or its associated providers.
The information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. We do not accept advertising on this page.
