You are a DNP student preparing to present to your classmates a topic of your choice. The topic you’ve chosen is locating and evaluating consumer health information. You chose this topic as it is interesting to you, and it is known that there are many types of consumer health information available, yet not all is reliable or reputable.
Overview of the Deliverable:
Define consumer health information.
Explain how/where consumer health information is found. You should include at least three places.
Explain at least three types of consumer health information.
Explain the principles of evaluating consumer health information. How should it be done? What are factors to consider?
Describe at least two “warning signs” that a piece of consumer health information is not reliable or may not be reputable.
Sample Answer
Hello, everyone! As we transition into our roles as advanced practice leaders, one of our most critical responsibilities is acting as a "knowledge broker" for our patients. Patients are no longer passive recipients of care; they are active seekers of information. However, the "Dr. Google" era has made it increasingly difficult for them to distinguish between life-saving evidence and dangerous misinformation.
Today, I’m going to walk you through how to locate and evaluate Consumer Health Information (CHI) so you can empower your patients to navigate the digital health landscape safely.
1. What is Consumer Health Information (CHI)?
At its core, Consumer Health Information is any data or resource related to health, wellness, and medical conditions that is specifically translated and formatted for the layperson.