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:
[log in to unmask]
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
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:
[log in to unmask]
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
Bob
"The best journeys are the ones that answer questions that at the outset
you never even thought to ask." Rick Ridgeway
"There are certain spots in the world where you can stand that will change
the way that you look at things forever". Pete Whitaker
Co administrator Telehealth List Serve and roving editor at large.
http://www.telehealth.net/interviews/pykebio.html
Editor, John Hopkins Pediatric Point of Interest
http://derm.med.jhmi.edu/poi/
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