Health Information management Strategies
Technology is shaping healthcare by making it possible for individuals to access health information anytime and anywhere. People can access this information on websites and from the existing literature retrieved from the various database platforms such as ProQuest. While it is important for one to use this kind of information, some of the information that is available online can be misleading. When one makes decision on the basis of unverified information, they may expose their health at risk of harm (Verma et al., 2020).
This is why it is important for one to evaluate and verify the information to ensure that it is reliable. It is important to apply an evaluation criteria to evaluate information published in a selected website, and explore how a lecture would change if the content is remotely delivered. It is equally important to investigate the impact of information age on health education.
Evaluation of a Health-Related Website
The WebMD.com website provides information on the management of the hypertension, and as described in this website, the modification of lifestyle behaviors and the use of pharmacotherapy can help manage the condition. While the website recommends measures which can help manage elevated blood pressure (B.P.), the information published on the website is not entirely accurate. While the author provides supportive data such as statistical indicators, they do not provide the sources of this data.
Besides, the information is less comprehensive, and it presents only one point of view. The website, however, is well-designed, and one can easily navigate it and the links work just fine. In addition, there is clear identification of the author including their credential. In this case, James Beckerman is the author, and he is a Medical Doctor (MD), and their contact is not given (Beckerman, 2019). There is no evidence that the information is current, and the author’s credential is relevant to the purpose of the site.
Conducting a Web Search for Information
Whether the Required information was found
After reviewing the Mayo Clinic website, I found the information I was looking for because it provides comprehensive information about hypertension as an illness. I was particularly interested in knowing the methods involves in managing the condition including the available treatment options. It recommends lifestyle modifications including reducing the salt-intake, exercising on a regular basis, and managing weight.
There are a number of medications mentioned in the website, and some of these drugs are classified into classes including calcium channel blockers as well as diuretics (Mayo Clinic, 2021). The site also includes the measures one may need to take to manage a resistant hypertension.
The Conflicting Information Found
I have not heard about hypertension that is resistant to drugs, and this contradicts what I know about the high B.P. According to the website, a patient with resistant hypertension does not respond to the medication. In case this happens, thee website recommends one to change their hypertension medications, review the pharmacological agents they use, and modify their lifestyle. Taking these steps, as described in the website, can bring positive benefits to a hypertensive patient with a resistant form of high B.P (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Whether Part of the Information Found was upsetting
Although I dint find any of the information described in the website to be upsetting, I expected the website to include in-text sources to make it possible for the reader to cross-check the information to ensure that is valid. While it is important that the author provided the list of the resources they used to prepare the information, the fact that they failed to mention how they used the information jeopardize the reliability and accuracy of the information published in the website (Bastable, 2019).
Whether the Website has Online Support Groups or Interactive Resources
The website has a links to the social media platforms including Facebook, and these links can direct the user to the online support groups. The Mayo Clinic Facebook page, for example, answers questions and provides resources on a wide range of health problems including hypertension. The social media platforms equally provide the experiences of those who have managed to successfully receive treatment and succeed in managing their own weight (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Expectations and Questions I would have for the Nurse during the Next Visit
Taking into account what I have read from the website, I would have my expectations for the nurse and ask questions pertinent to my personal health. For instance, I would expect the nurse to recommend to me the kind of foods I should eat, and assist me to plan a schedule for exercising. I would also expect the nurse to conduct assessment so that they can decide the appropriate intervention method. In addition to these expectations, I would ask the nurse what they intend to do in case the medication they prescribe do not help lower my B.P. levels.