Since the mid-1990s, consumers have referred to the World Wide Web (the Web) to learn how they can improve their health, prevent disease, and learn details about specific diseases. While efforts are being made to monitor information found on the Web, they are not enough to cover every web site with health information. As a result, this evaluation instrument is for health educators and clinicians to use to evaluate the appropriateness of web sites for their clientele for further health education. Please take a few minutes to browse the site you would like to evaluate before completing the evaluation form.

You may print this Evaluation Instrument from your web browser for your own personal use.

I. Web site information

Title of site:

Subject of site:

Web site address:

Whom do you think is the intended audience?


What do you think the objective is for this site?



Circle the number that you feel best represents the site: 1 = disagree, 2 = agree, 0 = not applicable (N/A). Add up the total points scored for each page at the bottom of each page.

II. Content               

                                                       Disagree Agree N/A
1. The purpose of the site is clearly stated or may be  1      2     0   
clearly inferred.

2. The information covered does not appear to be an     1      2    0
"infomercial" (i.e., an advertisement disguised as
health education).

3. There is no bias evident.                            1      2     0

4. If the site is opinionated, the author discusses     1      2      0
all sides of the issue, giving each due respect.

5. All aspects of the subject are covered adequately.    1      2    0

6. External Links are provided to fully cover the subject 1      2    0
(if not needed, circle 0).

III. Accuracy

7. The information is accurate (if not sure, circle 0).  1      2    0 

8. Sources are clearly documented.                        1      2    0

9. The web site states that it subscribes to HON code    1      2    0
principles.

IV. Author

10. The site is sponsored by or is associated with an   1     2     0
institution or organization.

11. For sites created by an individual, author's/editor's 1    2     0
credentials (educational background, professional 
affiliations, certifications, past writings, experience) 
are clearly stated.

12. Contact information (email, address, and/or phone   1      2     0
number) for the author/editor or webmaster is included.

V. Currency

13. The date of publication is clearly posted.         1        2     0

14. The revision date is recent enough to account for  1        2     0
changes in the field.

VI. Audience

15. The type of audience the author is addressing is    1        2     0
evident (academic, youth, minority, general, etc.).

16. The level of detail is appropriate for the audience. 1      2     0

17. The reading level is appropriate for the audience.    1     2     0

18. Technical terms are appropriate for the audience.    1       2     0

VII. Navigation

19. Internal links add to the usefulness of the site.     1      2     0

20. Information can be retrieved in a timely manner.     1      2     0

21. A search mechanism is necessary to make this site     1     2     0
useful.

22. A search mechanism is provided.                      1      2     0

23. The site is organized in a logical manner,          1       2     0
facilitating the location of information.

24. Any software necessary to use the page has links to  1     2     0
download software from the Internet.

                                                     Disagree  Agree   N/A

VIII. External Links

25. Links are relevant and appropriate for this site.   1     2     0

26. Links are operable.                                  1     2     0

27. Links are current enough to account for changes in   1     2     0
the field.

28. Links are appropriate for the audience (e.g. sites    1     2     0
for the general public do not include links to highly 
technical sites).

29. Links connect to reliable information from reliable   1     2     0
sources.

30. Links are provided to organizations that should be    1     2     0
represented.

IX. Structure            

31. Educational graphics and art add to the usefulness    1     2     0
of the site.

32. Decorative graphics do not significantly slow         1     2     0
downloading.

33. Text-only option is available for text-only Web       1      2    0
browsers.

34. Usefulness of site does not suffer when using text-    1      2    0
only option.

35. Options are available for disabled persons (large      1      2    0
print, audio).

36. If audio and video are components of the site, and     1     2     0
can not be accessed, the information on the site is still 
complete.

Total score ________           

Total number of possible points ________

Percentage of total points ________

To calculate the web site's score, the total points scored must be added up as well as total points possible. Total points possible is defined as the number of questions answered as either agree or disagree multiplied by two. The total score must then be divided by the total number of points possible to determine the overall rating of the web site.

Total score/Total number of possible points = percentage of total points

For example, if 30 out of 36 questions were answered with either disagree or agree, then the total number of points possible is 60 (30 multiplied by 2). If the total points scored was 54, then divide 54 by 60 (the total points possible). The overall rating of the web site is 90%, which falls into the excellent range.
Total score: 54
Total number of possible points: 30 x 2 = 60
Percentage of total points: 54/60 = 90%
Rating of web site: Excellent