Explore the Web

Health and medical information

Understanding a medical term or preparing a consultation requires identifiable information suited to your circumstances.

Getting started

Look up the term in WHO or MedlinePlus resources and prepare questions for your healthcare professional.

Before deciding

These links provide general information, not a diagnosis. For an emergency, contact your country’s emergency services.

Choose a source and keep useful references

Compare resources

WHO presents public health topics; MedlinePlus addresses patients in a US context. Choose by question, country and intended audience.

Prepare your research

Prepare questions with the term searched, source and date. Keep personal medical information out of public sharing spaces.

Practical questions

What should I check in health information?

Identify the responsible organisation, intended audience, review date and references. Look for a commercial purpose and prepare points to discuss with a professional rather than changing your care on your own.

How can I prepare a question for a medical appointment?

Write down the unfamiliar term, the page link and what you want clarified for your situation. Keep personal details private; a general information page does not determine your diagnosis.

Further reading : MedlinePlus — Evaluating Health Information · United States

See this topic’s resources →