?Harvard Researchers Expose the Inaccuracy of Online Symptom Checker

Biomazing has released new information highlighting the rising concerns of misleading information online, in an ongoing effort to educate the community on ways to find credible health information on the internet.

Raleigh, NC, United States – July 23, 2015 /PressCable/ —

Harvard Medical School launched its first large-scale study into the accuracy of online symptom checkers, and the results are in. In this initial study, researchers found that these programs were successful at providing a correct diagnoses in only a third of first attempts. However, correct diagnoses were included in 51 percent of the top three suggestions of symptom causes.

Ateeve Mehrotra, lead study author, explained the purpose of the new study in a statement, saying, “The public is increasingly interested in using the internet for self-diagnosis, and increasingly they are using symptom checkers. We wanted to know whether the advice they were receiving was useful.” His team used a list of symptoms, created from 45 medical scenarios, to test 23 symptom checkers commonly used in the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland.

The researchers found that most of the websites employed multiple choice or manual methods to allow visitors to describe their symptoms. Then the system utilizes algorithms to match a list of possible diagnoses, including advice regarding the need to seek immediate medical attention, see a physician within days, or simply stay home and rest.

A seasoned reporter, Elizabeth Renter, also shared some insight into the topic in a correlating article. She agrees with the researchers, and also explains why it is important to protect yourself from misleading online health information, saying “Questionable content is increasingly popping up in online searches — influencing the 70 percent of people who use the internet to research valid health information. With so many sources of online health information, it’s easy to fall for exaggerated health claims, poorly explained medical research or guidance that’s just plain wrong.”

This new and necessary attention on the topic of online symptom checkers reminds people that it is vital to double check the source and evaluate the purpose of specific information. For example, medical schools, hospitals, government agencies, and insurance companies host symptom checkers. Experts agree that people should discern the agenda behind online content, evaluate the credibility of qualifications, as well as the date and relevance of studies or trials.

Biomazing is glad to see some attention drawn to the topic, and that experts are continuing to highlighting the importance of fact checking. When asked to comment, Lucy Jones, a representative for the company, said “These new findings just reiterate the need to always ask a physician for advice or consult on any questions or health concerns. Technology is known for having a few hiccups, but that should not infringe on a person’s ability to receive the proper care.”

To learn more on the topic, readers are invited to visit http://www.biomazingremedies.com/online-symptom-checker. While there, please take full advantage of all information available on the company site.

For more information about us, please visit http://www.biomazing.com

Contact Info:
Name: Jessie Sampson
Organization: Biomazing Remedies
Phone: 1-800-777-4914

Release ID: 87427