Searching within a WebsiteIn this section, we will explore how to search for information within a trusted website.

In general, you should start your search on a website you know and trust because you know that information you find there is likely to be credible.

However, remember to always check that information is current and unbiased even when using reputable sites.

Steps to Searching Within a WebsiteWhen searching for health information on a website, follow the steps below to stay on track.

1. Select an appropriate website to use2. Select broad keywords and search3. Select the most relevant result4. Find the desired information. Navigate to another

page if necessary.5. Evaluate the information that you found.

Step 1: Selecting a Site

• American Academy of Pediatrics• American Medical Association• Center for Disease Control• Eldercare Locator• Family Caregiver Alliance• Family Doctor• Health Finder• Health.gov• KidsHealth.org

• Mayo Clinic• Medicare.gov• MedlinePlus• National Cancer Institute• National Institute on Aging• National Institutes of Health• National Library of Medicine• NetWellness• US Food and Drug Administration

As you become more comfortable searching for health information online, you will likely develop your own list of reliable sources. The following sources are a good starting point. Additional resources are available in the last section of this tutorial.

THINK!Based on what you know about evaluating sources, what are some characteristics that you would expect the sites on the previous slide to have that make them credible?

THINK!Based on what you know about evaluating sources, what are some characteristics that you would expect the sites on the previous slide to have that make them credible?

ANSWER: These websites are run by the government or professional organizations, written and/or reviewed by medical professionals, and kept current. They are also written specifically for consumers or patients, not doctors.

Selecting a SiteBecause there are many credible websites online, it can be difficult to choose which one to use to start your search.

When selecting a starting point, consider the specialization and target audience of each site.

Sites that specialize in the condition you want to learn more about are the most likely to have the information you’re looking for. If you aren’t aware of such a site, start with a more general site instead.

In order to choose the correct keywords, it is necessary to consider the structure of the websites you consult.

Most medical websites follow a similar structure: they have main pages about disease or conditions and either have subsections or subpages for specific information about that disease, such as signs, symptoms, or treatments.

This structure makes it most effective for you to start with a general search and use a site’s built in navigation tools to find the information you are looking for. Specific terms may not always yield the right results.

Step 2: Select Keywords and Search

Using the Search BarOn most consumer health websites, the search bar is located on the upper right of the screen.

Complete your search by typing in your keyword(s) and hitting enter on your keyboard or clicking the “go” or “search” button.

The image below is an example of what these search bars look like. The search bar is outlined in red.

Using the Search BarSometimes, a website may offer suggestions of terms to use as you’re typing in your search. These can be helpful, but be sure only use suggestions that are relevant to your inquiry. If none seem relevant, use your own terms instead.

The image on the right shows search suggestions provided by the National Cancer Institute’s web page when searching the phrase “bone marrow.”

Step 3: Selecting ResultsMost results pages will include the title of each page and a brief description of what you will find on that page.

Some websites will also provide options for narrowing your search to meet your specific needs. The image to the left shows suggestions provided by the Mayo Clinic for narrowing results.

You should select the result that seems most relevant. If none of the results appear to address your specific question, see if you can find a general overview. You may be able to navigate to the page you need from this general page.

THINK!You are looking for information about the risks faced by individuals who choose to donate a kidney. Which of these results should you select?

THINK!You are looking for information about the risks faced by individuals who choose to donate a kidney. Which of these results should you select?

ANSWER: The “Long-term risks for kidney donors” is the most relevant result.

Step 4: Find the InformationScan the webpage to see if the information you are looking for appears. Remember to use CTRL + F to search for terms within a page.

Sometimes, you may to navigate to a different page to find the right information. Check for links to other pages on the topic, often located on the sidebar or the top of the page.

Navigation ExampleIn this example from the American Society of Hematology, information seekers can navigate from the overview of anemia to more specific pages about the condition listed on the left.

Step 5: Evaluate the InformationEven when you start with a trusted website, it is important to evaluate the information you find on the site to make sure it is accurate and useful to you.

As discussed in the previous section of this tutorial, you should consider the following:

• Is the information factual?• Is the information current?• Does the information answer my question?• Is the information consistent with other sources?

Next StepsSometimes, you may be unable to find what you are looking for on the website of your choice, despite your best effort.

When you encounter this problem, you can try searching a different reputable website, or you may trying using Google or a different search engine.

We will examine strategies for searching for medical information on Google in the next module.