Quality Standards for Medical Publishing on the Web
The birth of the World Wide Web (WWW) heralds a quantum leap for publication, at least as revolutionary as the invention of the printing press by William Caxton in 1472. For the first time it is possible for anyone to publish material to be viewed by a (potentially) worldwide audience. In the medical field, the profusion of available information of unknown provenance, often written by unidentifiable authors, with undisclosed agendas, brings special problems to the medical professions and patients alike.
The conventional media of paper, television, and radio have evolved ways to give their audiences contextual clues to help them to judge the information presented. These are both explicit (such as the credits at the end of a television programme) and implicit, (such as the time of broadcast, choice of background music, or tone of voice of the presenter). In contrast information presented on the Web gives almost no contextual clues about its author, reliability, currency or intended audience.
At the second BMIA meeting at Birmingham on 7 Dec 96, members addressed issues arising from publishing medical content on the Web. The membership unanimously supported the standards below as a core statement on quality in medical publishing on the Web. These Quality Standards are not presented as a definitive and final document, rather as the first step in an evolving exploration of medical publishing through this exciting media. In line with this aspiration we would be delighted to hear your views.
There is enormous potential of e-health, but accountability,tracking and reducing medical errors is vital if medical Web publishing is to evolve and mature, authors need to address issues facing the conventional paper publishers, as well as the particular characteristics of the Web. Internet "standards" stand or fall by their utility, and need to evolve dynamically at the same breakneck speed as the Web to remain relevant. However, the BMIA believe that these issues are important to both medical professionals and patients alike, and believe that the above standards form a sound basis for further discussion.
Medical Webmasters shall build no site that does not include:
1. Who they are
2. Their credentials
3. Honest and non-misleading information
4. Accurate and up to date information
5. Their authority and references
6. Who is behind the site
7. Whether I have to pay for anything
8. My rights and guarantees if I buy anything
9. Domain of relevance and availability in my country
10. How to get in touch
Medical Disclaimer
This web site is not being used to make diagnoses, administer treatment,
prescribe medications, or order tests. The information contained is provided
as an educational service, which can assist you in your personal research
on a specific disease. The interactive tools contained on this web site
are provided to help you participate with your healthcare provider in
the self-management of your disease.
This web site is not a replacement for the relationship you have with your healthcare provider. Any information provided is not medical advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider's office immediately.
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