CONTENT EVALUATION OF DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT INFORMATION QUALITIES OF YOUTUBE VIDEOS ON CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Abstract

Introduction: One of the leading video sharing platforms is YouTube (YT). Due to their increased use, these can possibly create misconceptions about the condition, especially the associated treatment and signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Thus, this evaluates the information quality of YT videos about carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: This is a descriptive-evaluated study focused on assessing the information qualities of CTS videos on YT. Using Macleod et al. information quality index (2015), modified Diagnostic Information Quality Assessment Checklist (DIQAC) and Treatment Information Quality Assessment Checklist (TIQAC) were utilized. DIQAC measures the elements explanation, history, physical examination and ancillary procedures; while TIQAC, presurgical, surgical procedure, rehabilitation and complication elements. YT videos from 2020 onwards were searched using keywords "carpal tunnel syndrome", "diagnosis" and "treatment", and screened for duplicates, non-related to topic and without audio. Out of 31 videos retrieved, 11 YT videos on CTS were evaluated by physical therapists to determine the reliability of YT videos on CTS. Results: Results showed that YT-CTS videos are highly reliable in the elements explanation (45%) and history (36.36%), moderate to reliable in ancillary procedure (54.54%) and moderately reliable in physical examination (36%), in terms of DIQAC scoring. Whereas in TIQAC scoring, YT-CTS videos obtained a highly reliable presurgical scoring (45.45%). Surprisingly, it is poorly reliable in complication scoring (45.45%), very poorly to poor reliable in rehabilitation scoring (72.72%), and very poorly reliable in surgical scoring (45.45%). Overall, diagnosis information quality is high (65%), but low treatment information quality (32%). Discussion: This demonstrates that YT videos are technological tool that a physical therapist or a clinicians can utilize to educate and diagnose. Treatment information can hardly be explained in videos, which can vary form case to case, and is best explained through medical advice of a doctor to his patient with CTS.