Research Guides: Consumer Health Resources: Home

Drug Information

MedlinePlus Drug Information *
MEDLINEplus has extensive information on drugs, supplements, and herbs.
FamilyDoctor.org OTC Medications
Learn the basics on over-the-counter medications.
MayoClinic.com
Provides information on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, and supplements.
Drugs@FDA
A searchable catalog of prescription, over-the-counter, and discontinued drugs, including drug approval history and drug labels.

Finding a Doctor

Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports provides a list of things to consider when looking for a new doctor, as well as resources to help you find one.
DoctorFinder
The AMA's DoctorFinder allows you to search for doctors by name or specialty.
Find a Mental Health Professional (Psychology Today)
Find a Nutrition Expert
From the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Find a qualified registered dietitian nutritionist or food and nutrition practitioner.

Health Literacy

Evaluating Health Information (MedlinePlus) *
Evaluating Online Health Information -- Questions You Should Ask
SUSPECT that health app [NNLM]
Seeking
Usability
Security
Price
Evaluation
Creator
Timeliness

LGBTQ+ Health

The Trevor Project
Speak to a counselor and find resources on sexuality, gender identity, and mental health.

Health Literacy Research and Professional Resources

Health Literacy (AHRQ)
Health Literacy (CDC)
Plain Language for Public Health
Hemingway App
Editor to assess and identify ways to improve readability

MEDLINEPlus *

MedlinePlus * brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.

If you don't see the information you need, look below at the links for additional consumer health sites.

Consumer Health Websites

These websites are freely available.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention *
Drug Rehab Centers in Washington, D.C.
EthnoMed * "EthnoMed is Harborview Medical Center’s ethnic medicine website containing medical and cultural information about immigrant and refugee groups. Information is specific to groups in the Seattle area, but much of the cultural and health information is of interest and applicable in other geographic areas."
FDA For Consumers
Free Rehab Centers in Washington, DC If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you may be wondering where to turn for help. Rehab can be expensive, but there are free rehab centers available in Washington, District Of Columbia. We help people take the first steps toward getting help for their drug and alcohol usage and having drug-free lifestyles. To contact an alcohol/drug abuse counselor, please Call Toll Free 1-866-972-0589.
GirlsHealth.gov
Healthfinder.gov *
Includes "My Healthfinder Tool": See which screening tests and vaccines you need to stay healthy.
Health Information Translations * "Health Information Translations provides education resources in multiple languages for health care professionals and others to use in their communities. Resources are easy to read and culturally appropriate."
Household Products Database (Medline Plus) *
Lab Tests Global Sites * Access to Lab Tests Online information in multiple languages
Lab Tests Online
Mayo Clinic *
MentalHealth.gov *
National Cancer Institute *
National Center for Integrative and Complementary Health *
National Institute of Mental Health *
National Institute on Aging *
National Institutes of Health - Health Information *
Office of Minority Health Knowledge Center * The Knowledge Center Library contains a collection of more than 60,000 documents, books, journal articles and media related to the health status of racial and ethnic minority populations. The library collection also includes sources of consumer health material in more than 40 languages.
Office on Women's Health *
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Patient Education Materials

These subscription databases contain a section with patient education materials and/or handouts.

AccessMedicine
Go to the "Patient Ed" section.
Materials are available in multiple languages.
ClinicalKey for Nursing
Click on the link to "Patient Education".
Materials are available in multiple languages.
PsychiatryOnline
Go to the "Patient Education" section.

More Sources for Patient Education

Cancer Patient Education Materials (American Cancer Society) *
Easy-to-read materials on a variety of topics including prevention and early detection, treatment, side effects, and survivorship.

Diabetes and Nutrition Information

Healthy Living (American Diabetes Association)
Living with Diabetes *
This resource from the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists includes information on healthy eating, staying active, and taking medication.
Get Insulin *
Diabetes Overview (NIH NIDDK) *

Vaccine Hesitancy

The following are links to consumer resources about vaccinations. For more information, see:

Correcting Misinformation with Patients
by Ian Roberts Last Updated Oct 11, 2024 1194 views this year

Consumer Resources

Common Questions about Vaccines (CDC) *
The Conversation: Between Us, About Us *
COVID-101.org
Evaluating Online Health Information -- Questions You Should Ask
In the Covid-19 vaccine push, no one is speaking Gen Z’s language
Vaccine Education Center (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
Websites, videos, informational tear sheets, e-newsletters, webinars and speaker programs
NIH Community Engagement Alliance: Vaccines *
"general information on vaccines and how the COVID-19 vaccine will work to protect those who get the vaccine and the people around them"
Vaccine Information - Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)
"Developed in consultation with CDC, this website for patients and parents presents straightforward information about vaccine-preventable diseases and their vaccines...[,] vaccines needed by age group, vaccine safety, and ... more than one hundred video clips."
How to talk about vaccines (WHO) *
4 tips for having conversations about vaccination

Pet Health

American Veterinary Medical Association
The AVMA provides extensive pet care information and advice on finding a veterinarian.
MedlinePlus Pet Health *
MEDLINEplus offers information on care, prevention, and treatments for your furry friend.