Part I Overview

  1. Introduction
  2. Critical eHealth Literacy
    1. Marco's Story Chapter 1
    1. HOPE Activity
  3. Communicative eHealth Literacy
    1. Marco's Story Chapter 2
    1. Responding to Marco's Cousin
  4. Clinical eHealth Literacy
    1. Marco's Story Chapter 3
  5. Communication with Doctors
    1. Present Information
    2. Ask Questions
    3. Check Understanding
    4. Express Concerns
    5. State Preferences
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HOPE Activity

Evaluating Online Health Information

Please read through the comments on the message board and then answer the questions on the right.

Chris (Philadelphia, PA)

I was recently diagnosed with acute leukemia. I've seen on this message board that some patients get put on a clinical trial. My doctor hasn't mentioned anything about a clinical trial. Do any of you have experience with clinical trials for leukemia? Should I look into this?

Blood Cancer Foundation

We have a clinical trial support center. Feel free to check out our website here and contact us for more information.

Dr.Cortez (Tampa, FL)

I would recommend that you talk to your oncologist about clinical trials. They can help you figure out if there is a trial that's right for you.

Morgan (Tempe, AZ)

I participated in a clinical trial and it didn't help me at all. Honestly, I am not sure if was worth all the extra visits and time.

Dr.Cortez (Tampa, FL)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Clinical trials are not the best option for every patient. I would still recommend anyone who is interested talk with their doctor to see if there is a trial that is right for them.

Taylor (Ann Arbor, MI)

Instead of a clinical trial, why don't you consider green tea extract? My mother used this and she is cancer free! Private message me for more information on where to buy this.

Blood Cancer Foundation

Complementary medicines can be helpful to manage symptoms. However, most are not scientifically proven to cure cancer. Here is a good resource from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health that can tell you more about green tea extract and other herbal treatments.

Using the HOPE model, please select which sources provide Honest and trustworthy responses.

Choose an answer below. More than one answer may be correct.

  Blood Cancer Foundation
  Dr.Cortez
  Morgan
  Taylor
  Yes
  No

Next Item >

As you can see, there are messages that are clearly honest and objective, but there are also messages that are easy to act upon (highly practical) but are lacking in honesty and objectivity. Always question the quality of information on the Internet. Avoid sharing information that does not satisfy the HOPE Model criteria. When in doubt, ask your doctor.

Next, Dr. Paige outlines ways to communicate with others about online health information.