Savvy LNC Tips to Verify Online Information

The savvy LNC knows how important it is to verify and confirm information. Therefore, it’s important to do some research. The outcry of ‘fake news’, now more than ever, requires you to double-check your sources. 

Stay vigilant with the information you find online. It takes a little detective work and critical thinking to find reputable sources.

Savvy LNC Tips to Help Verify Online Information

Does the Website Owner Have Authority?

• Are they well-known and trusted within that industry as an expert?
• Is this website written for healthcare providers and patients, or by a patient?
• Are there complaints and poor reviews about them?

Take the time to research to find reputable sources. As a result, you will know that you can depend on the people you have vetted.

On What Type of Website Did You Find the Information?

Anyone can purchase a .org or .com or other domain types.

You need to know if it is a personal website, an educational website, or an organization website. Who contributed the information to the website? Are they reputable? The more you can drill down on who created the content, the better.

Has There Been Similar Information Shared by Other Experts?

Factual information will be used and shared by many people. If the people sharing it are a known authority on the subject, you can count on that information as accurate.

Can You Find the Original Source of the Information?

Track the information back to the original source. The original content will not have someone else’s perception and opinion.  Information can be misinterpreted, so stick to the original source.

What Organizations Are the Source Affiliated With?

When you read information for research, it’s important to know who the organizations are affiliated with. It provides you insight into the methods used to reach their conclusions on the subject.

Overall, it’s not a problem if the person benefits from the information. However, the bottom line is whether or not they are reliable sources for information.

Do You See Bias?

Bias isn’t always a negative thing, as long as you determine that the overall content is accurate. Local stories may be phrased with an opinion interjected.  Provide accurate information with the information you share.

When Was the Information Published

Pay attention to the publication dates. Remember, over time, information may change. Is the source viewed as a current export? Or, is there a new expert in the field with a different slant on the subject?  Keep your finger on the pulse of what is current and on the leading edge in the industry.

Over time, information can become outdated and no longer relevant. This is where your due diligence comes in to make sure you are using quality, accurate information. For example, information about technology and medicine is always growing and changing. Therefore, be well-read and consistent with the information you share.

Does the Publisher Have Proof?

When someone claims something, they should show proof.  Be discerning with the information. For instance, can you see the proof of the accuracy, to determine if their proof is real or fake?

In summary, understand that you put your reputation at stake anytime you share someone else’s information. It’s vital not to pass on inaccurate information.

As an LNC, credibility is critical. Don’t risk it with faulty information!

Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs in obtaining more clients, making more money, and achieving their business goals and dreams.

Pat’s related websites include the continuing education provided on LNCEU.com, the podcasts broadcast at podcast.legalnursebusiness.com, and writing tips supplied at patiyer.com.

Get all of Pat’s content in one place by downloading the mobile app, Biz Edu, at www.legalnursebusiness.com/bizedu. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, read blogs, watch online courses and training, and more.