Information contained in miscarriage-related websites and the predictive value of website scoring systems

Abstract

Objectives: To identify websites providing information about early pregnancy loss and compare this information with published guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). The value of ‘Silberg’ and ‘Health on the net (HON)’ website scoring systems in predicting the information provided via websites identified was assessed. Study design: A cross-sectional survey. Sample: Nineteen websites identified via two search engines (http://www.lycos.co.uk and http://www.msn.co.uk). Methods: Websites were searched for specific information in a structured manner and then scored by two independent observers against the website scoring systems and against a scoring system derived from guidelines published by the RCOG. Main outcome measures: Website scores against the scoring systems and against RCOG guidelines. Results: Information concerning miscarriage contained within these websites was poor and scored accordingly against the RCOG guidelines (median score, 4.5/8). The website scoring systems did not predict the RCOG scores for a website (HON score RS=0.193 (95% confidence interval from −0.286 to 0.595), Silberg score, RS=0.035 (95% confidence interval from −0.426 to 0.482)). Conclusions: Few relevant websites were identified despite searching a large number via two search engines. The websites found did not answer our specific questions and consequently scored poorly against the RCOG guidelines. RCOG scores did not correlate with either scoring system. Web-based information for women attending with early pregnancy complications needs to be easily accessed and comprehensive. Written information given to women when seen with early pregnancy complications should include details of available comprehensive websites. Professional organisations, colleges or Government agencies should provide this type of information.