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Finding reliable health information

If you are concerned about your health or the health of someone you are caring for, you can use the Healthdirect Symptom Checker. 

This tool will advise if you should see a doctor or care for yourself (or the other person) at home. 

An important part of managing your health is educating yourself about your and your family’s health issues or medical conditions. Good health information can help you make informed decisions.  

Many people find it helpful to look online for information about their health condition and treatment options. Here are some tips about making sure the information you use is reliable and safe. 

Choosing reliable information

The best place to find health information is from healthcare professionals. When you have medical questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or allied health professional.  

Readily available reliable health information can also be found via:  

  • Health brochures in your local hospital, doctor’s office, or community health centre  
  • Telephone helplines such as Healthdirect Australia  

 

Health literacy is an important part of seeking health care as it allows you to make informed decisions and look after your own health.  

Finding reliable information

To find reputable health information online check:  

  • Is the information relevant to you? 
  • Who is providing the information and what they do to make sure it is up to date and accurate?  
  • Bias – Is the website trying to sell a product or service? Does it create a sense of fear or panic? Does it provide only one option or advice based on one person’s experience?  
  • What is the medical research evidence?  
  • Does the website clearly state a privacy policy?  

You can also check the website address (called a URL) to identify the type of agency or organisation that owns the site. For example: 

  • .gov.au identifies an Australian government agency or a government-endorsed site  
  • .edu.au identifies an Australian educational institution, such as a school or university  
  • .org.au identifies an Australian nonprofit or non-government organisation, such as medical or research societies, condition-specific sites, peak industry bodies, support and advocacy groups  
  • .com identifies a commercial website, such as businesses and pharmaceutical companies  

 

Remember, you should always check in with a health professional to validate information and to be able to make the right decision for you. Your health care team need to be up to date on your decisions to be able to provide the best possible care for you. 

What’s not considered reliable health information:

  • Websites promoting a product or service  
  • Magazine or TV stories or ads  
  • Social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, online forums and chatrooms.

 

If you connect with people online, remember other people’s experiences may be different to yours. 

If you are unsure about the reliability of information, ask for help from someone you trust, a health advocate, a librarian or a local consumer organisation to assist and check with your healthcare professional or call Healthdirect Australia to explore which options are right for you.  

I am not satisfied with the care that I received, what do I do?

Health Care Consumers have developed resources on giving feedback, making complaints and giving compliments in the ACT. They have resources on general health and mental health, as well as a full contact directory. Please visit their website to download the resources: 

https://www.hcca.org.au/for-patients-carers-and-families/complaints-and-feedback/ 

Helpful Links

Navigating the ACT health care system
Health Services Map