An introduction to searching for health information online. Part of a tutorial on LibGuides.

1. Why Use This Tutorial?
Welcome! In this section, you will learn about why it is
important to be able to find credible health
information online.
We will consider how common it is to look for health
information online, when health information is most
useful, when a doctor’s opinion is necessary, and why
current web searcher’s skills need to be improved.

2. How Common is Online Health Searching?
In a 2011 survey from the Pew Research Center, 80%
of American adults reported using the internet to find
health information. That accounts for 59% of all adults
in the United States.
The number of online health information seekers rose
from 16% in 2001 to 80% in 2011, and this trend is
expected to continue.
Who are these health information seekers?

3. Most Likely Searchers
• Caucasians
• Women
• Adults age 18-49
• Caregivers
• College-educated adults
• High income
households
• Employed individuals
• Patients who live far
away from their
doctor’s office
• Individuals with chronic
conditions
The following groups are among the most likely to
search for health information online:

4. THINK!
Why do you think that some groups are more likely
than others to use the internet to find health
information?

5. THINK!
Why do you think that some groups are more likely
than others to use the internet to find health
information?
ANSWER: The most likely searchers come from groups
that are the most likely to have internet access, to
have high overall interest in health information, and
to find it convenient to find information online as
opposed to traveling to the doctor’s office.

6. What Online Searchers are Looking For
The most commonly searched health topics are listed below.
Percentages represent the percent of internet users that search
for these items.
• Information about a specific disease (66%)
• Information about a specific treatment or procedure (56%)
• Information about a doctor or other medical professional
(44%)
• Information about a hospital or clinic (36%)
• Information about health insurance policies (33%)
As you continue through the tutorial, consider if these searches
are an effective or ineffective use of online information.

7. When is Online Information Most Useful?
Doctors recognize that searching for online information is
the most useful in the following contexts:
• To improve your general understanding of a health topic
• To find basic factual information about a disease
• To supplement information that your doctor provided
• To participate in a support group
• To find information about your health insurance
provider

8. When Shouldn’t Online Information be Used?
In some situations, online information is not sufficient,
and a doctor’s opinion is necessary. Always contact a
professional in the following situations:
• In a medical emergency
• When a diagnosis is needed
• When a decision about a treatment is needed
• If you’re unsure about information you found online

9. THINK!
Why is a doctor’s opinion necessary in these situations?
• In a medical emergency
• When a diagnosis is needed
• When a decision about a treatment is needed
• If you’re unsure about information you found online

10. THINK!
Why is a doctor’s opinion necessary in these situations?
• In a medical emergency
▫ Emergencies require quick action. Don’t take chances. Call
911.
• When a diagnosis is needed
▫ Only a doctor can make a decision based on your complete
medical history.
• When a decision about a treatment is needed
▫ A doctor will know about any allergies you have and choose
the treatment that makes the most sense for you.
• If you’re unsure about information you found online
▫ You should never make a health decision based on
information that you’re unsure about. When in doubt, call
your doctor.

11. How Well Are Searchers Doing?
Online health information seekers report mixed
success when performing searches.
In a 2015 study about online health information, the
average participant could correctly answer 68% of the
basic health questions posed after searching for
information on Google.
When it comes to your health, 68% accuracy isn’t good
enough. If you have a medical concern, you want to be
certain that you are getting accurate information.

12. Mistakes that Searchers Make
Let’s take a look some common mistakes that
individuals make when finding health
information online. As you continue through
the tutorial, you will learn strategies to avoid
making these mistakes.

13. Mistakes that Searchers Make
• They fail to evaluate the quality of the sources they find
▫ Most searchers recognize that some online information is
inaccurate.
▫ However, these searchers often forget to evaluate their
sources in the moment of a search.
• They self-diagnose
▫ 35% of online health information seekers report using
online information to diagnoses themselves
▫ Only 53% discussed their findings with a doctor, and only
41% had their diagnosis confirmed by a doctor.

14. Mistakes that Searchers Make
• They only consult one source
▫ Checking more than one source serves as a safe-guard
against finding inaccurate information.
▫ Most reputable sources should agree about basic
information you find online.
• They fall victim to health scams
▫ Some health websites exist to make a profit, not to
educate.
▫ If a site is offering a “miracle cure,” it is probably too good
to be true.
▫ Always consult a doctor before purchasing a treatment.

15. THINK!
Earlier in this slideshow, you saw the most common types of
information that patients search for (information about a
disease, a treatment, a doctor / medical professional, a
hospital / clinic, or a health insurance policy). Based on what
you know now, do you think that these are appropriate topics to
search for online?

16. THINK!
Earlier in this slideshow, you saw the most common types of
information that patients search for (information about a
disease, a treatment, a doctor / medical professional, a
hospital / clinic, or a health insurance policy). Based on what
you know now, do you think that these are appropriate topics to
search for online?
ANSWER: It depends on the context. If searchers are using the
information to increase their general understanding of each
topic, the internet can be a great resource. However, if searches
use what they find to self-diagnose or select a treatment
without consulting a doctor, they are not using online resources
appropriately.