Accessing Valid Information

The ability to find credible, accurate, and relevant information, services, and products concerning a specific health topic.

To take ownership of personal well-being it is often necessary to research health information, seek health services, and access health products. If we aren’t able to distinguish what is accurate and relevant information, services, and/or products we risk accepting false information as truth, access improper care, and/or consume unhealthy or ineffective products. 

Skill Cues for Accessing Valid Information

Step 1) Check the publication date or most recent update

Step 2) Determine if the author is regarded as an authority on the matter

Step 3) Define the author’s purpose for creating the publication

Step 4) Identify whether or not the author supports their claim with valid evidence

Step 5) Confirm that the information actually relates to the topic and/or question you’re researching