Research Guides: Finding Good Health Information: Where Do I Start?

Note

These information resources are not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a qualified healthcare professional. If you have questions or need assistance in making health decisions, please consult with a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.

Asking Questions

Linda Bradley-Tiernan, M.D.
two-minute video of heart doctor who brings her list of questions when she visits her doctor and says you should, too
Ask Me 3
four-minute National Patient Safety Foundation video shows what kinds of questions to ask and how to ask questiions
Question Builder
create and print custom list of questions for each medical appointment
"Straight Talk For Good Health"
short article published in Spring 2013 NIH MedlinePlus Magazine
Understanding Medical Words: A Tutorial from the National Library of Medicine
Plain Language Medical Dictionary

How to Evaluate Information

ABCs of Evaluating Informationhttp:

A = Authority
A = Accuracy
B = Bias
C = Currency
C = Coverage

For more information, see list of ABC questions to ask when evaluating information.

Understanding Medical Research

Evaluation Assistance

Look for information on each site that tells you what information is or is not included to help you make decision. No Web site contains all the information you need to make a decision.

Hospital Compare
Medicare-certified hospitals in U.S.
HospitalInspections.org
hospital inspections reports from U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, not complete yet
Nursing Home Compare
Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes in U.S.
Physician Compare (Medicare)
"Find and choose physicians and other health care professionals enrolled in Medicare"
Quackwatch
known for being very anti-alternative medicine and sometimes outdated; use with caution by comparing to other information you find and consulting with a trusted healthcare provider

Recommended Web Sites

General

MedlinePlus
medical encyclopedia, videos, drug information, links to websites (Mayo, American Medical Association, etc.). Available in English and Spanish
healthfinder.gov
"science-based prevention and wellness information"
HealthReach
Multilingual and multicultural health information for individuals with limited English skills, also includes videos

Other

KidsHealth
TeensHealth
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Rare Disease Database
Created by National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Questions?

Northeast Campus - Grand Forks:
Sara Westall MLS
701.293.4173

Northwest Campus - Minot:
Janet Anderson, MLIS
701.857.5435

Southeast Campus - Fargo:
Sara Westall MLS
701.293.4173

Southwest Campus - Bismarck:
Sandi L. Bates, MLIS
701.751.6767