Future directions for depicting credibility in health care web sites

Summary 

Objectives

The purpose of the paper was to determine appropriate terminology, criteria, implementation, and develop a theoretical framework by which credibility in health care web sites can be depicted. Future research directions for evaluating credibility in health care web sites was also discussed.

Method

A comprehensive literature review of published articles, policy papers, and grey literature using relevant search terms was conducted. Sources for articles reviewed included MEDLINE (from 1966 to present), PsycINFO (from 1840 to present), ERIC (from 1966 to present), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) databases. The Web of Science citation service was continuously searched using a subscription service from 2002 to 2004. The search engine Google was also implemented.

Results

A common term, credibility, was purposed for use in this context. A comprehensive set of credibility criteria, presented within a theoretical framework was also developed. Implementation by means of a browser-based graphic icon was purposed.

Conclusions

Relevancy and readiness of the purposed common terminology, criteria, and implementation within the theoretical framework must be further researched. More knowledge of consumers’ behaviour regarding use of online health content and collaboration with others when implementing such information should be considered in future research.

Keywords: Quality of health care, Internet, Patient education, Consumer participation