How reliable are “reputable sources” for medical information on the Internet? The case of hormonal therapy to treat prostate cancer

Conclusions: Few seemingly reputable Internet sources for medical information provide viewers with the detailed and up-to-date information that they may expect from such sites when searching for alternatives to standard treatment for androgen suppression. Strategies for keeping such websites up-to-date and reliable are discussed. Sites may improve their credibility and usefulness if they (1) present all evidence-based treatment options, (2) regularly update and time stamp their information, (3) acknowledge that their recommendations on treatments may become out-of-date quickly, (4) and direct viewers to information on relevant, active clinical trials. Maintaining high quality sites may ultimately depend on users taking the initiative to inform website owners when their sites are out-of-date.
Source: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Clinical - Prostate Source Type: research