Earlier this year, Google introduced structured, curated, and verified health information information into its Knowledge Graph smart search algorithm. Initially, the feature was available for 400 conditions — but now Google has increased that number to over 900 conditions.
“We’re making sure to include neglected tropical diseases, a set of infections that affect over 1.5 billion people including 500 million children in poorer regions. We think it’s important for people to have facts on these diseases, such as Dengue Fever (already included), Chikungunya, and Leishmaniasis (to be added soon). Today the feature is still only in U.S. English, but we plan to expand it to more languages and regions,” said Prem Ramaswami, Product Manager in the blog post announcement.
Additional enhancements to Google Searches include:
– Visual design improvements and some more specific triggering so it’s quicker and easier to get the info you need (for example, you can now search for “pink eye symptoms” and you’ll get straight to the symptoms tab).
– A ‘Download PDF’ link so you can easily print this information for a doctor’s visit—this has been a top request from doctors
“We’re making sure to include Leishmaniasis of neglected tropical diseases, a set of infections that affect over 1.5 billion people including 500 million children in poorer regions. We think it’s important for people to have facts on these diseases, such as Dengue Fever (already included), Chikungunya, and Leishmaniasis (to be added soon). Today the feature is still only in U.S. English, but we plan to expand it to more languages and regions,. noted
In the initial announcement, Google has partnered with the Mayo Clinic verify in-depth information for health and medical conditions. “As before, Google has worked closely with a team of doctors to curate and validate this information including positive, helpful feedback from users and medical professionals, and Dokeep working to bring useful health information to your fingertips, whether in the Google app or on desktop,” said Ramaswami.
According to Google, 1 in 20 Google searches are for health-related information.
