| Learning Objective #1: Identify criteria for evaluating Web sites for health information | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe the quantity and quality of depression Web sites during three time periods |
As the Internet inspires instant global communication, the public aggressively seeks health information from around the world. However, health care providers are skeptical of the validity and reliability of this web-based information from a diversity of global sources. Objective: To develop criteria and then evaluate the quantity and quality of depression web sites during three periods. Conceptual framework: The Technology Assessment Model examines assessment of need, safety, effectiveness, economic appraisal, and social impact of the technology. Design: This exploratory, descriptive study evaluated English language web sites for depression from around the world. Sample: 49 web sites for depression were evaluated at 3 intervals: February 2000, May 2000, and February 2001. Methods: Clinical practice guidelines for depression and criteria for web site evaluation were combined to develop a tool with 28 yes/no questions addressing positive content, 4 yes/no questions addressing negative content, and 11 Likert-scale questions addressing site construction/format (Cronbach's alpha = 0.9). Findings: A variety of information for depression was found. Of the total web sites found only 47% were available one year later. Highest ranking web sites contained positive content from a variety of authors. Lowest ranking sites promoted unusual treatments for depression with some questionable authors. Conclusions: Many web sites had some useful information. Information about treatment, personal stories, support groups, and resources provide hope in dealing with depression. However, some web sites were perilous. Anyone can develop a web site and many sites covertly identified the author. Many sites were marketplaces for diverse products and services with unknown quality. The Internet had much undated, vanishing information. Implications: Nurses should examine content, absence of negative/harmful information, and ease of movement through web site information. Nurses can appreciate the diversity of global treatment options for depression but caution the public in using untested treatments from questionable sources.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003