How to Find Trustworthy Medical Information for Your Child

Over the past few years, Dr. Hackett and I have heard this more and more often: “I’d like to do my own research.” And honestly—we get it. There is an overwhelming amount of information out there, and when it comes to your child, you want to be sure you’re making the best possible decision.

The challenge is that not all information is created equal. Many people online present themselves as medical experts when they are not. They may sound confident and convincing, but confidence does not always equal accuracy. So how do you tell what information you can trust?

There are many ways to study a medical question, but some methods produce far more reliable results than others. When we think about what’s best for your child, we look for research that has been done carefully, thoroughly, and with as little bias as possible.

So where can parents find trustworthy information? One of our favorite resources is the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP reviews and evaluates the studies it shares, and it is where much of our guidance comes from. The AAP also provides excellent information specifically for parents at HealthyChildren.org, which we frequently recommend.

Other medical organizations and institutions also publish high-quality, evidence-based information. Large academic centers like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins offer reliable, easy-to-understand resources for families. Medical journals such as JAMA and The New England Journal of Medicine are written primarily for clinicians, but the science behind those studies often informs the recommendations you hear in your doctor’s office.

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As physicians, we are constantly reading new research. Not every study is helpful or trustworthy, so we carefully evaluate what we read. One of the first things we consider is who funded the research. Studies funded by pharmaceutical or biomedical companies may have potential bias, especially if they are studying a product made by the sponsor. That doesn’t mean the research is wrong, but it is something we keep in mind when interpreting the results. Many important medical advances come from industry-funded research, and private funding plays a significant role in medical science today.

When we look at the strongest medical evidence, we often refer to what’s called a peer-reviewed, large-cohort, randomized, double-blind study. Here’s what that means in plain language:

• Peer-reviewed means the study was evaluated by other experts in the same field to make sure it was conducted properly and fairly.

• A large cohort means many participants were included, often from different locations, which helps ensure the results apply to a wide range of people.

• Randomized means participants were assigned to groups by chance, which reduces bias and helps create fair comparisons.

• Double-blind means neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the treatment or a placebo during the study, helping prevent expectations from influencing the results.

So what does all of this mean for you as a parent?

We fully support parents who want to be informed and engaged in their child’s care. Our hope is that when you’re doing your research, you use reliable, evidence-based sources—and that you bring your questions to us. We are always happy to talk through what you’ve read, explain the science behind our recommendations, and work together to make the best decisions for your child.

Your child’s health is a partnership. Ask questions. Stay curious. And let’s navigate the information-together. Please reach out to us if you have any specific questions!

-Dr. Ginsburg