Bringing Credibility Through Portals

Abstract

This study explores how the quality and credibility of information on healthcare websites can be enhanced through the simultaneous delivery of multiple information sources. Such information integration is achieved using a new experimental Web API called Portals. Accessing multiple information sources is salient due to the uncertainty surrounding an overwhelming amount of online health information that can be incorrect or misleading. When readers seek health information, the almost instantaneous verification that comes with the possibility of multiple-sources assessment is critical. This research provides novel insights that establish the value of reliably integrating health content from multiple sources (websites). The behavioral differences when people encounter consistent or inconsistent information from multiple-websites integration are investigated, and the implication of the findings are discussed. The research findings guide how health-related websites can help online seekers access higher-quality healthcare websites.