Evaluation of English and Spanish Health Information on the Internet

APPENDIX C: Condition-Related Topics, Questions and Clinical Elements Evaluated on English- and Spanish-Language Web Sites

Condition-Related Topic Area Corresponding Consumer-Oriented Questions Number of Clinical Elements Used for Assessing Coverage and Accuracy per Topic Area
Breast Cancer
1. Risk assessment Are there any medications I can take to reduce my risk of getting breast cancer? 2
2. Screening No one in my family has had breast cancer. Do I still need breast exams and mammograms? When should I start having regular mammograms? Do I need one every year? 4
3. Evaluation of a palpable breast Mass I have a lump in my breast. What should be done to check this? 4
4. Treatment If I have Stage I or Stage II breast cancer, which is better treatment: mastectomy or lumpectomy plus radiation? Where can I get information about breast cancer clinical trials? 4
5. Alternative therapies What alternative therapies (such as acupuncture, herbs or homeopathy) can help me fight breast cancer? 3
  Total Number of Condition-Related Clinical Elements for this Condition 17


APPENDIX C: Condition-Related Topics, Questions and Clinical Elements Evaluated on English- and Spanish-Language Web Sites (cont.)

Condition-Related Topic Area Corresponding Consumer-Oriented Questions Number of Clinical Elements Used for Assessing Coverage and Accuracy per Topic Area
Depression
1. Symptoms I've been feeling a little sad lately. How do I know if I'm depressed? 4
2. Treatment What are the most effective treatments for depression? 3
3. Antidepressant medications If my doctor recommends an antidepressant medication for the treatment of my depression, how long should I take it for? What should I expect and when will I start to feel better? 4
4. Role of Counseling When should I consider psychological counseling instead of or in addition to medication? 3
5. Suicidal ideation I feel so depressed I've thought about suicide. What should I do? 2
6. Evaluation Who should I see for evaluation and treatment of my depression? A primary care doctor, a psychiatrist or a psychologist/therapist? 4
7. Etiology What causes depression? 1
  Total Number of Condition-Related Clinical Elements for this Condition 21


APPENDIX C: Condition-Related Topics, Questions and Clinical Elements Evaluated on English- and Spanish-Language Web Sites (cont.)

Condition-Related Topic Area Corresponding Consumer-Oriented Questions Number of Clinical Elements Used for Assessing Coverage and Accuracy per Topic Area
Childhood Asthma
1. Symptoms What are the common symptoms of asthma in children? 4
2. Uncontrolled asthma I have been told by a doctor that my child has asthma. S/he has difficulty breathing at night and uses an inhaler everyday. Does this mean that my child's asthma is not well controlled? 2
3. Therapeutic modalities & side effects What should I do about my child's asthma, especially if it is not well controlled? Are there any medicines or special equipment that my doctor can prescribe? Do they have any side effects? 8
4. Symptoms How do I know if my child is having life-threatening symptoms? What should I do? 4
5. Risk factors Could certain exposures in the indoor and/or outdoor environment have caused or made my child's asthma worse? What can be done to identify, eliminate or diminish factors in the environment that can worsen my child's asthma symptoms? 7
6. Etiology What causes asthma? Is it curable? 4
7. Expectations from therapy What should I expect from my child's asthma treatment? 3
  Total Number of Condition-Related Clinical Elements for this Condition 32


APPENDIX C: Condition-Related Topics, Questions and Clinical Elements Evaluated on English- and Spanish-Language Web Sites (cont.)

Condition-Related Topic Area Corresponding Consumer-Oriented Questions Number of Clinical Elements Used for Assessing Coverage and Accuracy per Topic Area
Obesity
1. Indications for weight loss How do I know if I need to lose weight? 6
2. Risks What are the health risks of being overweight/obese? 4
3. Therapies What should I consider before starting on a low carbohydrate, high protein, high fat diet like the Atkins plan? 3
4. Prevention What is the value of physical activity for a) promoting weight loss, b) maintaining weight at current levels, and c) for general health? 4
5. Availability of drugs approved for weight loss Should I consider weight-loss drugs, and if so, what prescription and non-prescription drugs are currently available? 4
6. Treatment Who should consider weight loss surgery, what are the risks, and how well does it work? 6
7. Safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements containing ephedra plus caffeine Can herbal supplements containing ephedrine plus caffeine help me to safely lose weight? 3
  Total Number of Condition-Related Clinical Elements for this Condition 30


Table of Contents
Appendix B
Appendix D