Health Consumer Information

Health information available on the WWW varies greatly. For health consumers it is advisable to seek health information from reputable sites created for the specific purpose of providing consumers with useful health information.

These websites are a good starting point for locating health information for consumers

• Joanna Briggs Institute Consumer Web Page
• Joanna Briggs Institute Consumer Information Database
• ABC Health Matters: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• Better Health Channel: Government of Victoria, Australia
• Choice: Australian Consumers' Association
• HealthInsite: Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging
• NHS Direct: National Health Service in the United Kingdom
• healthfinder: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Health Topics A-Z :World Health Organisation - information in English, Spanish and French

Health information of a more general nature is also being generated by reputable agencies involved in health research and health information dissemination. Consumers are encouraged to take a more active role in their health care and a range of resources are available that provide consumers with guides relating to their general health and safety.

For information about healthy living and patient safety, the sites below are useful

• Fever in Children - a fact sheet from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne
• 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors
• 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors in Children
• Five Steps to Safer Health Care
• Healthy Living
• Quick Tips - When Planning for Surgery