Consumer health information provided by library and hospital Websites in the South Central Region.

Abstract

Consumers are using the Internet more frequently to locate health information. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project report from July 2003, “80% of adult Internet users, or about ninety-three million Americans, have searched for at least one of sixteen major health topics online” [1]. This number represents an increase of 18% over the results from a similar survey reported in May 2002 [2]. Through an examination of Websites, the authors of this brief communication studied if, and how effectively, selected hospitals and libraries are meeting consumer health information needs and expectations.