Site Name and URL
Description and Findings
Ed's Asthma Track for Parents of Children with Asthma
http://asthmatrack.com/index.html
Essential Elements: There is no identifying organizational information provided on the site and the only contact information is through the web site. There is no date that files were last updated.
Design and Access Elements: Site map, logo and easy navigation are well done. Site downloaded fairly quickly.
Content Elements: While the content appears to be accurate, there is limited use of references, no bibliography, and no documentation of any review process by health professionals or others.
Disclosure: There is no explicit purpose or mission statement. The site does present good information and resources for parents on several aspects of asthma. The links are all to reputable resources, and all of the information appears to be appropriate.
Other Comments: This site includes a discussion/message board where parents post questions that are answered by other parents. The most active message board appears to be that related to Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. There is some sharing of misunderstandings between parents in this section.
Gazoontite.com
Essential Elements: The company provides phone and snail mail contact information. Live chat and email are also available to potential customers and affiliates. The affiliate program gives a kickback of 10% to other web site developers who link to the gazoontite page.
Design and Access Elements: Easy to download and navigate.
Content Elements:There is an impressive medical advisory board for this site and the information presented appears to be accurate and appropriate. Referencing is variable, and not all recommendations appear to be evidence based. Most references are to articles in the popular press that were about articles in science-based journals. Site includes products like vitamins and herbs, and aromatherapies. There is an opportunity for on-line consultation with a nurse for several hours each day.
Disclosure: This site is up-front about its mission. There appears to be a mis-match between some of the non-evidence based products promoted on the site and the mainstream traditional medical advisory board.