Nursing Resources

Evaluating Websites

It can be difficult to vet health information on the internet. The CRAAP Test is a list of criteria that can help you evaluate the information you find.

Currency

• How old is the information?
• Has the information been revised or updated?

Relevancy

• Does the information answer your question?

Authority

• What is the publisher or source?
• What are the author's qualifications to be an expert on the topic?

Accuracy

• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Can you verify the information from another source?

Purpose

• What is the purpose of the information?
• Is the information a fact, opinion, or propaganda?

See also the National Library of Medicine's guide to evaluating health websites.

The Hopkins Health Library is a patient's guide to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions from A to Z. Search:

• Diseases and Conditions
• Tests and Procedures
• Recipes
• Nutrition Information
• Prevention Guidelines

There are other reputable organizations providing health information on the internet. Here are just a few:

• American Diabetes Association
• Includes Food Hub with evidence-based tips for diet management
• American Heart Association's Health Topics
• Cleveland Clinic's Health Library
• FamilyDoctor.org from American Academy of Family Physicians
• Mayo Clinic's overviews of diseases and conditions
• MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine
• National Institutes of Health (US) Health Information