How can you tell if a drug information website is a credible source of information

Resources are assigned a 5-star rating based on responses to a series of closed (yes/no) questions to determine the credibility of the author(s), the reliability and accuracy of the content, and technical aspects of websites (for example if the website has a paywall). In addition to making the Directory easy to navigate, the 5-star rating system is designed to avoid potential bias. The review also contains some information about the features of the resource and the intended audience, for example, mental health professionals, parents, young people or policymakers.

The Drug Information Directory does not provide a review of the organisation(s) that publish the website, but rather the website itself. It also does not provide an assessment of treatment options.

Each resource in the Drug Information Directory is assessed based on specific, weighted criteria: authorship (23%), relevance (33%), and reliability/accuracy (43%). The criteria are then aggregated to give a total score, which is rounded to the nearest half star.

Criterion 1: Authorship (Weight: 24%)

The purpose of this criterion is to identify who the author of the content is and whether they are an authority on the subject.

The reviewers consider the transparency of the individual or organisation that published the site; the credentials of the author(s); and whether the author(s) and publisher are reputable sources of information, such as accredited academic institutions, peer-reviewed articles, scholarly databases or government websites and research.

Criterion 2: Relevance (Weight: 33%)

The purpose of the criterion is to check if the website is relevant for the Drug Information Directory and its audience, to ensure that the content is current, and to understand the purpose behind the website.

The reviewers consider the relevance of the information for a variety of audiences, including health professionals, researchers, parents and students; if the information has some level of detail on alcohol and other drugs, health promotion or mental health; and whether there is evidence that the site is maintained and updated regularly.

Criterion 3: Reliability / Accuracy (Weight: 43%)

The purpose of the criterion is to check that information is properly referenced, from a trusted source, and is comparable to other sites on a similar topic.

The reviewers consider whether research or information is cited from a credible source; whether the information provided aligns with other sites.

Review summary

This section of the Drug Information Directory reviews refers to the written part of the review and includes the intended purpose and audience of the website; and identifies any affiliations, potential biases or stigmatising or discriminatory content.

Rejected resources:

Websites are rejected if they fall under the following categories:

• The website is a treatment service only
• The website does not have information relevant to alcohol and other drugs, health promotion, or mental health
• The majority of links on the website do not work
• The information on the website is completely inaccurate
• The website hasn’t been updated in 5 or more years and does not qualify as an archived resource
• The website falls under the following categories:
  • Service, news or media resource targeting a non-Australian or non-international audience.
  • Resource whose primary purpose or content is a blog (excluding corporate blogs of peak AOD organisations), discussion group, forum or similar.
  • Resource about an organisation’s policy, for example an AOD policy for staff or students.
  • Resource from a drug testing provider, equipment seller, or drink-drive education provider.
  • Resource whose primary purpose is to sell something.

Badges

Badges will be displayed next to websites reviewed in the Drug Information Directory if the website contains any of the following features:

1) Is the website a government website, or affiliated with/sponsored by the government?

2) Is the website affiliated with an academic institution?

3) Is the website industry-sponsored? (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical industries)

4) Is the website a community-led source of information?

5) Is the website specifically targeted towards a community? (i.e. multicultural, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, religious, LGBTIQ, user-generated and secular)

6) Is the website mobile friendly?

7) Does the website have a paywall or login barrier?

5 Reliable Sources of Medical Information Online

Fake news. Website scams. Home remedies.

With so much bad information on the web, how can patients find reliable medical information online? The good news is that there are reliable information sources on the web — as long as you’re visiting the right websites.

Patients can start by remembering these tips:

• Start with a reliable provider.
• Evaluate commercial websites carefully for bias and conflict of interest.
• Check to see if the information is current, preferably less than three years old.
• Identify the credentials of the author, such as a patient, doctor, nurse, or patient adviocate.

Here are 5 online resources for medical information that every patient can trust.

Overall Health Information: MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus is operated by the National Institutes of Health’s U.S. National Library of Medicine. This website is a reliable source of scientifically-based, peer-reviewed health information. There are no advertisements because it is already paid for by tax dollars.

All the information is written by healthcare professionals (MDs, PhDs, RNs, etc) and it is 100% available in Spanish. If you had one place to go for information, this should be it.

Drug Information: Daily Med

DailyMed is also operated by the National Institutes of Health’s U.S. National Library of Medicine, making it very reliable and ad-free. Information is sourced directly from the Food and Drug Administration.

Medical Procedures: Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins

The Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins are arguably two of the world’s leading institutions of medicine and science. Both are consistently ranked among the best medical providers in the country, and both conduct extensive medical and scientific research which keeps them at the forefront of innovation. They may be slightly more complicated to navigate than MedlinePlus or DailyMed – it can sometimes be hard to tell if you are clicking on something that is just information, or something that is leading you towards making an appointment or finding a doctor.

However, they make up for this by having extensive information on medical procedures. You can search for tests and surgeries and get a lot of reliable info. Both the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins are technically not-for-profit. Nonetheless, it is worth remembering that they are medical institutions that make money by billing for medical services.

Dietary Supplements: NIH Office of Dietary Supplement

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements might be hard to remember, but it makes up for it with extensive information.

Once again, the National Institutes of Health provides ad-free, scientifically verified information on vitamins and supplements that can’t be found anywhere else. One great feature offered by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements is direct citations to the peer-reviewed articles. That makes it easier for patients to look deeper into the medical research.

Caution: Don’t Self-Diagnose

Education is empowerment. Take the time to learn about your medications and your diagnoses. But, do not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself based on any internet source.

Online resources are a great way for patients to begin their education. These trusted sources can help patients know what questions to ask, gain a better understanding of the latest innovations and help identify possible treatments. But, leave the diagnosing to a trained medical professional.

Caution: Avoid Sales Traps

Always be cautious of any health website that sell you something.

It’s very easy to end up on a page that seems to be telling you something really important about your health — only to find out later that they are trying to sell you something.

They may disguise themselves as a news story, or information from a celebrity. Whatever the packaging, if you get the impression you are being sold something, then be skeptical of the information provided.

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