Deck 26: Worldwide Search

Question 1

What is Quackwatch (www.quackwatch.com)?

Answer 1

Quackwatch is a group of people based in Country U which aims to combat health related frauds, myths, fallacies and misconduct information available over the internet. It focuses on providing the most authentic links to websites, consumer protection rules and set standards in the field of healthcare industry.
It is a website guide that provides links to hundreds of reliable healthcare sites and includes large library of legal cases, government sanctions, regulatory actions and licensing boards in the field of medical healthcare. It was founded by Person SB in the year 1969 and its website was operationalized in the year 1996.
Thus, this website and group of people ensures authentic availability of information and data related to health care sector by providing links and information in the best interest of people.

Question 2

What is the purpose of this chapter?

Answer 2

There has been a massive development and advancement in the healthcare industry to protect and provide information related to set standards, accredited bodies, hospitals, allied service stations, government institutions and resources over the online media.
The World Wide Web (WWW) is the part of internet where information and knowledge is available. It is important for every citizen to be aware of the best practice for searching over internet.
It provides a source to recognize and find answers in case of difficult diseases, remedies to solve a problem and to identify the healthcare institution. Around the world there are wide treatment options and programs that may be found using simple search practice.
The main highlights of the chapter are as follows:
• Evaluate the website to search Health on the Net Foundation ( HON ) code at the bottom of the healthcare web page.
• Provides an entire list of search engines to conduct a successful search.
• Refer to QW website in order to derive authentic, legal, consumer protection related information. It also provides link for other websites and aims to protect from healthcare frauds and quackery.
• Detailed information related to accredited websites and important terminologies used.
• List of ethical websites to derive information related to associations, centers and organizations to gather information pertaining to rules, regulations, standards and norms to be followed.
• Details of government and legal websites incorporating the services provided by them.
Thus, resources that are provided in the chapter, inculcates detailed information regarding the healthcare sector over internet. One should refer and update knowledge in order to utilize the benefits that are available for patients in a healthcare industry.

Question 3

What is the importance of HON?

Answer 3

With the rapid advancement of internet and information available over web pages, there has been a continuous threat and instances of fraudulent activities. In order to ensure the authenticity of non-government webpages which provides information relate to healthcare industry, Health on the Net Foundation code of conduct (HON code) was established.
HON code is a certification of ethical standards which aims to offer quality healthcare information over the webpages. The code is located at the bottom of the webpage and is important due to the following reasons:
• Ensures the availability of reliable online health information.
• Mandates ethical standards in providing online information.
• Confirms authoritative and trust worthy information.
• Access to fair, transparent and authentic information.
Thus, with the presence of HON code on the online health information pages, it marks the symbol of authenticity and eliminates any chances of fraud.

Question 4

What is a search engine?