With over 142 million World Wide Web sites and the internet expanding by 5 percent per month it may be difficult to know where to go for legitimate Web sources. I would like to help you evaluate the health information that you find online. A great resource for all plastic surgery patients to get started with is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Website at www.plasticsurgery.org. 

There are methods for checking for the legitimacy and accuracy of a Web site.  Information with scientific based evidence and that is reviewed by multiple experts in that field will be more reliable. An organization which promotes useful and reliable online medical and health information is called “The Health on the Net Foundation” (www.hon.ch). This foundation allows you to search a subject through only HON-accredited Web sites. 

The HON accredited Web sites must meet 8 accrediting criteria: the author is medically trained, the information compliments a doctor patient relationship rather than replacing one, your privacy is maintained, all sources are sited to allow for verification and further reading possibilities, all claims are backed up with evidence, the information is clearly displayed, funds for the web site are clearly disclosed, and the advertising is distinguishable from the article content.

You can download a free HONcode toolbar which integrates with your Web browser to check health Web sites for certification. Search “Plastic surgery” on the HON Web site and you will find (text below is linked):

Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery

A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgery Articles

Discovery Health

Another helpful Web site is from the Judgehealth organization. This Web site shows you how to search the Internet for upstanding and wise information. Judgehealth recommends when obtaining Web site information that you evaluate the following:

  • Organization Reputation

  • Who produced the site?

  • What is the stated purpose of the site? Are they trying to
    sell you something, rather than educate you?

  • Funding Sources. Does the website have a bias that is
    financially motivated?

  • When the information was last updated or reviewed?

  • Writing Quality (clear, balanced, correct grammar).
    •

    Online discussion forums provide good comments, ideas, and advice but the information can also be false, mean spirited, and doubtful. Always consider the source and discuss any concerns or ideas for your care with your surgeon.

    Many thanks to Laurie Brenner, R.N. for researching this topic and authoring this guide. You rock, Laurie!

    Information obtained from www.physicianspractice.com, “The Physician’s Guide to the Internet” by Shirley Grace, May 2008.