Where can I learn more about organ transplantation?

Numerous resources are available to patients in need of organ transplantation and their families. You can obtain a wealth of information from your primary care physician, specialist, or local transplant center. Other resources are available through the Internet. Of course, be aware the quality of information on the websites varies widely. Here are some tips to help you evaluate a website:

• Check the “about us” section of the site. If there is no author listed or no credentials for the author, be suspicious.

• Check the attribution of the information. Experts have reviewed research in mainstream journals. Information from major government agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), has also been reviewed by experts. Information from drug companies may be reliable, but remember—these companies are in the business of selling products.

• Information put out by patient groups can be biased toward one point of view.

• Be wary of emotional testimonials. They can be misleading or irrelevant to you.

• Read many websites and cross-check what you find.

• If a treatment seems too good to be true, it probably is!

• Check with your primary care physician or transplant team before making any changes in your treatment plan based on information you found on the Internet.