Assessment of Available Online Website and YouTube Resources for Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract

Over the last decade, patients displayed a greater tendency to search for online information related to their health before seeking advice from a clinician. This study aims to determine the current quality and educational content of online patient information for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). In March 2022, the three most popular search engines by market shares (Google, Yahoo! and Bing) and the video platform YouTube were interrogated for the term "abdominal aortic aneurysm". Validated scoring tools were used to assess quality and readability of the top 50 results for each search engine and to evaluate reliability and educational quality of the first 20 YouTube videos returned by the search. A custom-made scoring system was used to assess content. 45 unique websites were analysed, 29% of which held Health on the Net (HoN) Certification. Median FRE (IQR) was 56.4 (50.4-62.75), with the average website falling under the "difficult to read" category. Median Michigan score (IQR) was 38.5 (32-43.5), reflecting "weak" quality. Websites with higher content-specific score had significantly higher median Michigan score. Sixty percent of websites discussed benefit and risks related to AAA treatment and only 31% discussed advantages and disadvantages of open vs endovascular treatment. No websites mentioned the volume-outcome relationship in aneurysm surgery. 8 unique YouTube videos were assessed. Median JAMA score (IQR) was 2 (2-2.25). Median Global Quality Score (GQS) score (IQR) was 3 (2-4). Median content score was 1 (0-2). The current average online information on AAA is of 'weak' quality and 'difficult' (i.e., above the standard reading ability of a 13 to 15 years old) readability. Healthcare providers should focus on the provision of better AAA-focused patient information (e.g. appropriately referenced, regularly reviewed and limiting advertisements where possible). The involvement of patient advisory groups during resource development is highly recommended.