Microsoft is refining its Bing search engine in an effort to provide users with more relevant content in response to health-related searches, eWeek reports.
The project, called the "enhanced Bing Health search experience," offers a targeted array of resources to users who conduct certain health queries.
For example, if a user types a specific medical condition into the search bar, Bing will output:
- A list of related conditions;
- Medical centers that treat the illness; and
- Medications typically prescribed.
If a user then clicks on a link for a particular medical center, Bing would provide new links for:
- An official facility Web site;
- Nearby medical centers; and
- Patient ratings from HHS databases.
Clicking on a link for a particular medication could generate lists of drug interactions and possible side effects.
Microsoft said Bing's enhanced health searches are part of the company's larger plan to improve the entire search engine (Kolakowski, eWeek, 1/13).