Tampa, Fla., March 12, 2009 - A 2006 study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project showed 80 percent of American adults go online looking for health information, and only 25 percent of those say they checked the source and date of the information. This month, in recognition of National Kidney Month, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is urging all patients who use the Internet as a source to obtain information about their disease to check the source of the information.

Pew Internet & American Life Project researchers say the majority of those seeking health information online have not been harmed by the advice they received from an Internet source. Three percent say they or someone they know have been seriously harmed by following the advice or information they found online.

“We do not want to discourage patients from turning to the Internet for health information,” stated AAKP Executive Director Kim Buettner. “We do hope patients take the extra step to make sure the information they are receiving is from a reputable source. The Internet is another tool that allows patients to be educated about their disease. Patients who are educated on their disease are engaged in their health care, which is something AAKP supports.”

“I also go to the Internet to get more information on a condition if I can’t speak to my doctor right away,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “But I’ve read and seen some videos on the Internet that are just inaccurate. There are people with little to no medical expertise, giving patients very harmful advice.”

The Medical Library Association (MLA), whose primary purpose is promoting quality information for improved health, created four simple rules to help patients decide whether online health information is as credible, timely and useful as it looks.

1. Sponsorship - Can you easily identify the site sponsor? Sponsorship is important because it helps establish the site as respected and dependable. Does the site list advisory board members or consultants? This may give you further insights on the credibility of information published on the site.

2. Currency - The site should be updated frequently as health information changes constantly and new information is learned about diseases and treatments through research and patient care. All articles should be clearly dated with the latest version posted. This usually appears at the bottom of the page.

3. Factual information - Information should be presented in a clear manner. It should be factual (not opinion) and capable of being verified from a primary information source such as the professional literature, abstracts or links to other Web pages. Information represented as an opinion should be clearly stated and the source should be identified as a qualified professional or organization.

4. Audience - The Web site should clearly state whether the information is intended for the consumer or the health professional.

Visit the American Association's Kidney Patients Web site Links Mall for a list of reputable renal related Web sites. For more information about the AAKP call 800-749-AAKP. 

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AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 40 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances, and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.