12. Resources - Websites

A Family Guide to Concurrent Disorders - Part IV: Recovery

1. What is the purpose of the site? (check the “About” page for information).

2. Who created the material?

What credentials do the people have (academic, life experience)?
What are you told about the people who created the resource (e.g., do you know if they have anything to gain by publicizing a treatment)?
Who is sponsoring the website? Is there information about the role the sponsor played in developing the website content?
Is there information about how to contact the author or organization that developed the material?

3. Is the information credible?

What is the information on the website based on? Research? Expert opinion? Professional or personal experience? Personal stories are important, but they shouldn't be the only source.
Is information about the sources (e.g., author, publisher for books and journal articles; phone numbers and e-mail addresses for organizations) given? Sometimes information is taken out of context, so check the sources if possible.
Is there a list of other resources you can refer to? It's usually best to compare information from a number of different sources.
Does the site provide links to other websites? Although links don't guarantee credibility, a list of links to well-known, trusted websites is an indication that the website's creators are willing to have you check their information.
Are you encouraged to talk to other people, including doctors and other professionals?
Are other possible theories/explanations acknowledged?
If the information is describing a treatment, does it give some explanation of how and/or why it works? Does it mention risks or side-effects as well as benefits?

4. How recent is the information?

Each document should include the date that it was created and/or the date when it was last reviewed.
Evaluating Information: Resources
- Intute: How to Evaluate an Internet-based Information Source
- DISCERN on the Internet

General concurrent disorders