The Quality of Health Related-Content Websites: 15 Years of Experience of Web Médica Acreditada Quality Program
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Abstract
Background: The quality of health information on the Internet is very variable and there is an interest in offering patients and the general public different tools to obtain the best information. One of the solutions proposed was the evaluation of websites by health organizations. Web Médica Acreditada Quality Program (WMA) was launched in 1999 by the Medical Association of Barcelona (Spain), with the aim of offering tools for the empowerment of Internet users. WMA is a 'third party' program based on a set of criteria and the evaluation process of health-related content websites. The certification process consists of several steps: voluntary evaluation request, assessment and report based on WMA quality criteria, when recommendations are implemented the website is certified receiving a trust-mark and it is included in the WMA Google Custom Search and in a specific list of certified websites. An annual review is carried out for its recertification. In this paper fifteen years of experience in the certification of health-related content websites through a quality program based on a rating process and a trust-mark is described.
Methods: Observational study that describes the features of websites included in a quality program of medical websites and the certification process applied for 15 years. The set of criteria is based on a specific Code of Conduct, the European Union quality criteria for health websites and the active participation in several European projects and initiatives such as MedCIRCLE, QUATROPlus and MedIEQ: authorship, content (scientific information, sources and update), confidentiality, advertising and funding, virtual consultation, legal and ethical requirements. The variables of websites described are: total number of websites, language, criteria for not completing the certification, type of organization, and other trust marks present, target and funding.
Results: Until the year 2013 there were 1,050 certified working sites (around 300 sites more did not work) including thousands of web pages. Only 50% of applicants have completed the certification process. Less than 10% were certified without suggestions or modifications. The majority of websites are from Spain and Latin America. Above all, languages present on the websites are: Spanish, English and Catalan. Types of websites: 30% professional personal, 26.5% health services, 24% scientific & universities, 8.5% patient associations & NGOs, 5% drug industry, 6% other. The main reasons for not completing the certification are: legal and ethical requirements, the medical doctor responsible not identified and scientific information inappropriate. The main targets are adult patients/users and medical doctors. Private contribution is the main source of funding.
Discussion: Quality, content and features of medical websites are very variable. There is a big interest in getting a certification from health services and professional websites. Knowledge about quality of sites responsible and designers have improved over time. Changes in ICT legislation, ethics and new online services, require a continuous review of the certification processes and quality criteria. Social Media and Apps are introducing new needs and challenges. It could be interesting to study again the real impact of trust marks amongst the general public to reveal whether they use them to decide to trust or mistrust a health-related content website.
Methods: Observational study that describes the features of websites included in a quality program of medical websites and the certification process applied for 15 years. The set of criteria is based on a specific Code of Conduct, the European Union quality criteria for health websites and the active participation in several European projects and initiatives such as MedCIRCLE, QUATROPlus and MedIEQ: authorship, content (scientific information, sources and update), confidentiality, advertising and funding, virtual consultation, legal and ethical requirements. The variables of websites described are: total number of websites, language, criteria for not completing the certification, type of organization, and other trust marks present, target and funding.
Results: Until the year 2013 there were 1,050 certified working sites (around 300 sites more did not work) including thousands of web pages. Only 50% of applicants have completed the certification process. Less than 10% were certified without suggestions or modifications. The majority of websites are from Spain and Latin America. Above all, languages present on the websites are: Spanish, English and Catalan. Types of websites: 30% professional personal, 26.5% health services, 24% scientific & universities, 8.5% patient associations & NGOs, 5% drug industry, 6% other. The main reasons for not completing the certification are: legal and ethical requirements, the medical doctor responsible not identified and scientific information inappropriate. The main targets are adult patients/users and medical doctors. Private contribution is the main source of funding.
Discussion: Quality, content and features of medical websites are very variable. There is a big interest in getting a certification from health services and professional websites. Knowledge about quality of sites responsible and designers have improved over time. Changes in ICT legislation, ethics and new online services, require a continuous review of the certification processes and quality criteria. Social Media and Apps are introducing new needs and challenges. It could be interesting to study again the real impact of trust marks amongst the general public to reveal whether they use them to decide to trust or mistrust a health-related content website.
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