Internet Medical Information In Need of Good Filter

[HuckleB]

Internet Medical Information In Need of Good Filter

http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/39/23/24

"For individuals who lack social supports and feel embarrassed about their mental health problems, the Internet seems like a harmless and even friendly place to turn for help. However, there are risks involved with seeking services online, according to a panel of residents who spoke at APA's Institute of Psychiatric Services in Atlanta in October.

The three residents are 2003-05 APA/Bristol-Myers Squibb Fellows, and as part of the fellowship experience they led a workshop at the institute on the risks and benefits of Internet-based mental health forums for patients and clinicians.

...

Leon Guerrero cited data from a 2002 survey of 800 British physicians by Henry W. Potts, Ph.D., in which 85 percent of the doctors reported their patients benefited from the Internet. About 44 percent said that their patients encountered problems during Internet searches, such as misinformation.

To aid patients in the search for reliable medical information online, the University of Oxford in England has established DISCERN, a brief questionnaire that provides users with a "valid and reliable way of assessing the quality of written information on treatment choices for a health problem."


Sounds like an obvious concern that wouldn't affect most folks, but, alas, it appears widespread.

[sam sarrha]

1. There has never been an privacy, even before computers. i had a back

in 1989 my medical files were immediately circulated to every Workman's Comp carrier in the US.. i have only had one decent Job sense.. i did not work at all for 8 years.. i would be layed off3 days to 2 weeks after getting hired if i got hired..

a friend hired me and said they called him and said they had no problem with him hiring me, but if he did they would cancel and reschedule all his 17 other employees comp policies.. he said he was sorry but he couldn't hire me....:shrug:

employers immediately know when you have a spotty employmment history you had a back injury. I have an IQ in the 160's and did research before my very minor injury.

[HuckleB]

2. Indeed. But what does that have to do with the article I posted?

:shrug:

Salud.