Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Internet is becoming an increasingly common source of health information for patients.OBJECTIVE: To examine the quality of gastrointestinal disease- and symptom-related Internet sites that might be searched by patients.METHODS: A total of 120 websites were evaluated from July to November 2009 using the DISCERN instrument to determine the quality of content of health and treatment information.RESULTS: There was substantial variability in the quality of Internet resources regarding gastrointestinal diseases and their symptoms. Information-based and institutional websites were rated highest. Resources related to celiac disease, colon cancer and abdominal pain scored the highest.CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the quality of web-based resources was variable. Because patient education is important in the management of gastroenterological diseases, the increasing use of the Internet poses new opportunities and challenges for physicians.