Doctors, patients and the search for the truth on the Internet

Abstract

The overnight availability of huge amounts of medical information from the Internet has dramatically affected patients and doctors, and has swiftly highlighted a pressing need to deal with the problem of assessing the validity of such information. A number of further issues arise from this, most notably the questionable practice of selling supposed ‘miracle cures’ via the Internet. The introduction of measures that ensure the regulation of health-related websites has to be a priority for the health care profession. It is important not only to protect patients, and reduce the amount of doctors' time that is wasted, but also to allow confidence to develop in the reputable sites that exist. Such sites can provide accurate and useful information and can help to assemble supportive health-related communities on-line; facets that could be of great benefit to both patients and doctors alike.