Open-source websites such as Wikipedia are popular resources for patients, physicians and medical students alike. But given that almost anyone can edit those websites’ pages, their quality is hugely variable. Given this variability, physicians have an ethical obligation to help patients avoid false or misleading health information by improving the quality of the information presented. A researcher suggests how.
The AMA Code of Medical Ethics provides related guidance on research and innovation, such as opinion 7.2.1, “Principles for Disseminating Research Results,” to help physicians fulfill their ethical responsibilities with respect to sharing research findings for the ultimate benefit of patients. Opinion 1.2.12, “Ethical Practice in Telemedicine,” also outlines physicians’ fundamental responsibilities with respect to online health content.
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.
