Health Information
Editorial Policy
Science and Health Information Provided by the National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) includes 27 Institutes, Centers (ICs), and Offices, each focusing on specific programmatic areas of science and health. NIH, the nation’s leading biomedical research institution supports more than 325,000 scientific personnel in more than 3,000 institutions in all 50 states, the territories, and more than 90 countries around the world. Some 84% of NIH funding goes to those institutions. NIH also employs more than 6,000 Federal scientists working at NIH laboratories.
The following editorial policy is designed to ensure accurate and reliable information:
- Information provided by each NIH Institute, Center, Office (IC) or other organizational component will be based on research published in peer-reviewed, scientific literature.
- Based on their area of expertise, NIH ICs produce science and health information on a broad range of subjects. In some cases, ICs collaborate when topics span the mission responsibilities of more than one organization. Efforts are made to ensure that information is not duplicative.
- Information is reviewed by scientific experts who have career-long knowledge of these fields to ensure that information is accurate, timely, and useful.
- Health information from NIH is designed to: (1) help readers better understand and enjoy good health; (2) take steps to prevent disease; and, (3) understand diseases or disorders that may affect them or their colleagues, friends, or family.
- Every effort is made to create information that is easy to read and accessible.
- NIH strives to present and provide evidence-based health information to meet the needs of a diverse public. NIH strives to present and provide information in plain language and in a manner that enhances health literacy.
- NIH also provides healthcare professionals with authoritative information that may help them in working with their patients.
- Material are updated regularly to reflect new findings and ensure accuracy.
- The NIH organization that produced the material is clearly identified.
- NIH health information, unless specifically noted, is free to be used and duplicated.
- NIH adheres to conflict-of-interest principles to ensure the science and health information provided is without bias.
NIH welcomes questions or comments about health information provided at nihinfo@od.nih.gov.
Note: NIH does not provide specific, personal medical advice. NIH urges you to consult with a qualified health care provider for diagnosis and answers to your personal questions.
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