Main Page: NURS308 Course Research Guide: Reputable Websites

Using Websites

You might use reputable websites to help identify additional information about your topic before searching in databases. This page contains links to suggested websites to help better understand your topic, such as identifying possible treatment options which you can explore further in library databases.

MedlinePlus
You might search here to identify non-pharmacological treatment options for your topic. MedlinePlus is a consumer health resource that searches authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also has patient education materials, extensive information about drugs and an illustrated medical encyclopedia.

Organizations: A-Z (from MedlinePlus)
A collection of organizations providing health information. You may find an organization focused on your topic, which could help you identify additional information such as treatment options.

Evaluating Websites

How do you know if a website you have found is reputable? There are several strategies you can use to evaluate information to decide if you should use it in your research project.

RADAR Framework

The RADAR Framework is one way to evaluate websites and information. The following video from Loyola Marymount University explains how to use RADAR.

Lateral Reading

Lateral reading is a strategy you can use in combination with the RADAR Framework to learn more about the credibility of a source. The following video explains how to use lateral reading to strengthen your fact checking skills.

Mental Health: Selected Websites

American Psychiatric Nurses Association
"The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) was founded in 1986. In the ensuing years, APNA has grown to be the largest professional membership organization committed to the specialty practice of psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing and wellness promotion, prevention of mental health problems, and the care and treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders."
Mental Health America
"MHA is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall health of all Americans."
National Alliance on Mental Illness
"NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives."
National Institute of Mental Health
"The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)."
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
"The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is one of the 27 institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being. It is the largest funder of alcohol research in the world."
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities."
National Center for PTSD
"The mission of the National Center for PTSD is to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders."