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Health Promotion International, Vol. 18, No. 4, 381-386, December 2003
© Oxford University Press 2003 All rights reserved

PERSPECTIVES

Shortcomings of health information on the Internet

Mike Benigeri and Pierre Pluye

Interdisciplinary Health Research Group, University of Montreal, Canada

Address for correspondence: Mike Benigeri, GRIS, University of Montreal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada E-mail: mike.benigeri{at}umontreal.ca

Disseminating health and medical information on the Internet can improve knowledge transfer from health professionals to the population, and help individuals to maintain and improve their health. There are currently several medical information websites that directly target the general population with the aim of providing information about health problems, self-care and prevention. However, this new technology also hides several shortcomings, such as: (i) uneven quality of medical information available on the Internet; (ii) difficulties in finding, understanding and using this information; (iii) lack of access for the unconnected population; and (iv) the potential for harm and risks of over-consumption. To be able to overcome these dangers, it is important that public health practitioners and health professionals be involved in the design, dissemination and evaluation of Web-based health and medical information.

Key words: health information; internet


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