Quality framework
The quality of information on the internet is highly variable. One of the key goals of this website is to make it easier for you to find trustworthy and reliable health information. Rather than re-invent the wheel and write much content, we have aimed to link the viewer to existing resources and make the process as quick and simple as possible.
Fundamental to this is the development of a quality framework to guide the selection of reliable and trustworthy websites and online resources. To guide the editorial team with resource selection,a quality framework was developed.
The basis of this framework is a brief literature review conducted to identify the key quality standards and guidelines developed both nationally and internationally. Standards were identified, reviewed and selected. Websites that do not meet the minimum standards are excluded and where multiple resources/websites are identified for a particular topic, the assessment checklist we have developed is used by the Reference Groups to assist selection of the best ones.
A paper outlining our quality framework was published by Health Informatics Review in 2009.
Honey, ML. Bycroft, J. Tracey, J. Boyd, MA. McLachlan, A. Quality Processes That Maximise The Health Navigator Web Portal As An Enabler For Consumers And Health Professionals. [Health Care & Informatics Review Online, March 2009 Link]
Other Web Standards & Guidelines
To view international website standards and examples of other guidelines, visit the following websites:
HON – Health on the Net Foundation www.healthonnet.org
Commission of the European Communities – Quality Criteria www.hon.ch/index.html
JUDGE – Websites for Health – Support Group Guidelines & Consumer Guidelines www.judgehealth.org.uk
DISCERN – www.discern.org.uk
Canadian Health Network quality framework – www.canadian-health-network.ca
Health Insite – Australian Government health information website - www.healthinsite.gov.au/
Net-Wellness – www.netwellness.org
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Process Overview
Step 1: Initial processing - Recommended websites are forwarded to the most appropriate Reference Group team leader
Step 2: Assessment using the Quality Checklist - The team leader then forwards these to Working Group members who then screen the website or resource using the Assessment Checklist
Step 3: Reference Group Review - Resources that meet the minimum standard are then reviewed by the Reference Group
Step 4: Permission to use or link - is then requested from the website’s organisation
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Minimum Standards
The following standards and issues were identified as essential for any resource or website to be included:
1. Responsible partnering –trustworthy individual or organisation
2. Content accurate and reliable
3. Balanced & unbiased
4. Evidence-based or supports current best practice when guidelines don’t exist
5. Content - appropriate & relevant for the intended audience
6. Current – considered up to date, preferably reviewed or updated within last 2 yrs
7. Responsible advertising – no drug advertising and minimal commercial/product advertising
8. Independent of drug companies (resources developed by independent group may be sponsored by unrestricted drug grant)
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Desirable Features
1. Quality of Information & Content - Adheres to HON or equivalent quality framework, evidence levels,
2. Design & Aesthetics - Layout, visual appeal, loads quickly, text size options etc.
3. Readability – reading & comprehension level appropriate
4. Authority, Authentication & Currency - Authorship, ownership and credibility clearly stated and appropriate (eg professional, govt, or NGO) Contact details, editorial process, disclosure, advertising distinct from content
5. Cultural Competence -Concepts and examples culturally appropriate? Language options?
6. Navigation (particularly for website links) - User friendly, search option, large file warning, Loading speed , features for special needs etc
7. Accessibility and Availability
8. Collaborative Care & Self Management Focus - Motivational, supportive or enabling, informed choice, shared decisions, goal-setting etc