Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson, you can:
- Build a dated Evidence Card.
- Use trusted sources in a practical order.
- Track changes without chasing every headline.
- Prepare clear questions for a health professional.
Build an Evidence Card
Health information changes. A useful summary needs a date, links, and a plan for updates.
Record the exact topic, product group, one narrow claim, official status source, research, human evidence, risks, unknowns, and review date.
Also ask, “What would change my view?” New trial results, a safety warning, an approved label, a correction, or better guidance may change your summary.
Check strong sources first
For U.S. drug approval, start with Drugs@FDA and the official product label. Check FDA safety notices for new risk information.
Use ClinicalTrials.gov to find registered studies and their status. Read the original research report for the methods and results.
A systematic review uses a set method to compare many studies. A secondary summary explains other sources and can help you get oriented.
Posts from creators, sellers, and paid partners can show you a claim to check. They should not replace the original source.
Update on a schedule
You do not need to follow every headline. Update a card when new information could change your conclusion. Set a simple review schedule for topics you follow.
“No meaningful change” is a valid update. For a personal decision, bring the card and neutral questions to a licensed health professional.
The card organizes the conversation. It does not make the decision for you.
The method you keep
The goal is not perfect memory or a product list. Keep this sequence: identify, classify, find the source, evaluate, match, state unknowns, ask, and update.
For example, date a card today. Add the FDA status page and one original study. Write what result would make you update the card next month.
Keep these
Lesson takeaways
- Date each evidence summary and link its sources.
- Write what new information would change your view.
- Use the card to support, not replace, a talk with a health professional.
Workbook action
Put the lesson to work.
First, use the conversation planner to write neutral questions. Then complete the Evidence Card, name what would change your view, and choose one safe next action.
Knowledge check
Check what you can explain.
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 correct to complete this module. You can retake the check after any result.
Primary references