Accuracy of asthma information on the world wide web

J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2010 Jul;15(3):211-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2010.00233.x.

Abstract

Purpose: An essential component of asthma management is education. Parents often turn to the Internet, a 24-hour source of health information.

Design and methods: In this descriptive study, two researchers evaluated websites using eight core educational concepts developed by the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute (NHLBI) to determine the accuracy of the health information regarding asthma on the Internet.

Results: Of the 68 websites reviewed, only 6 (8.8%) had accurate and complete information regarding asthma according to NHBLI recommendations.

Practice implications: Nurses must be educated regarding the selection of accurate websites on asthma so that in turn, they may educate patients and their families.

MeSH terms

  • Asthma*
  • Health Education* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Internet* / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results