Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Decide if the Health Information I Find Online is Accurate?

There is a LOT of health information available online, but not all of it is trustworthy. How can you tell?  When searching for health information online, use the CRAP test to evaluate the information you find. This easy to remember acronym looks at the Currency, Reliability, Authority and Purpose of online information.

Currency

  • Is the information up-to-date? Health information should be updated within the past 5 years and drug information should be updated within the past year.

  • Is the date of publication or last update provided?

  • Do the links work?

Reliability

  • Is the information based on up-to-date research?  It should include research from the past 5 years, but can also include some older studies that are still relevant.

  • Does the author include references to credible sources such as journal articles or books?

  • Are opinions presented in a balanced way or are they presented as facts?
  • Is there an obvious bias?

Authority

  • Who is the author? Is the author qualified to write on this topic?

  • Does the author provide her place of employment or contact information?

  • Who is the publisher? Is the publisher a recognized and respected organization such as a university or charity?

  • Was this website recommended by an author or organization that you trust?

Purpose

  • Why was this information posted online? The author and/or publisher should make the purpose clear.

  • Is the author or publisher trying to sell you something?

  • Is there advertising on the website? What is being advertised?

Other Questions

  • How does this resource compare to others that you've looked at?

  • Is this health product approved or verified by a third party such as Health Canada or the FDA?

Consider using CRAP criteria to help you evaluate the accuracy of health information on the web.

June 2015 Catherine Young
Medical Librarian, Saskatoon Health Region


Improving Women's Lives Through Better Health in Mid-Life and Beyond


About Women's Mid-Life Health Program

Improving women’s lives through better health during mid-life and beyond.

Women's Mid-Life Health Program has been a member of The North American Menopause Society since 2003.

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