There is a vast amount of information on the Internet that anyone can access and interpret how they wish. Being in the healthcare field, there is a responsibility to educate patients and families on determining the validity of a website. There are many evaluation tools to determine the legitimacy of websites. One evaluation tool is the Health on the Net (HON) code of conduct. In order to be approved and obtain the HON code certification, there are eight guidelines to follow. Two websites will be evaluated using this code to determine the validity of the information presented.
The first website that is looked at using the HON code is a website designed to inform people regarding the prevention of suicide (Preventing Suicide Network, 2004). The first principle from the code deals with the authoritativeness of the information on the site. This website was very precise and thorough on all of the references for the information presented. There were hyperlinks to the reference page which included authors, websites and all the appropriate information. The second principle deals with stating the purpose of the website. This website clearly stated the purpose, mission intended audience and history. The website also mentioned their declaration that the information published here is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice (Preventing Suicide Network, 2004). The third principle protects the privacy and confidentiality of the site users. On the website, the correct process is defined on whether or not authorization is required before using or disclosing personal information (Preventing Suicide Network, 2004). There also is an explanation of how a credit card is processed using encrypted secure socket lines. The fourth principle states that information must be documented: Referenced and dated (Health on the Net Foundation, 2008). The date seen at the bottom of almost every page is clearly seen stating the last update. Principle five is the...