Consumer Health Information Sources in the 21st Century

Authors

  • Tracy Daley Dalhousie University

Keywords:

MedlinePlus, Wikipedia, health, Web 2.0, Information in Society

Abstract

When consumers have health questions, they often seek answers at online sources. Consumer health information is readily available on the Internet but the lack of quality control on the Internet is problematic. This essay examines the following: quality issues associated with online health information, the features and benefits of several consumer health websites, how Web 2.0 innovations can add an interactive layer to basic online consumer health resources, and the role that information professionals play in the field of consumer health information.

Author Biography

Tracy Daley, Dalhousie University

Tracy Daley completed a BSc (Hons) in Biology in 2006 at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is a current candidate in the Master of Library and Information Studies program at Dalhousie University and will graduate in May 2011. Tracy has strong interests in health information and intends to pursue a career in medical librarianship. This essay was originally written for a class called “Information in Society” (INFO5500).

References

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Published

2011-09-28

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