Quality and content of online cancer information: An analysis of NCI-designated cancer center YouTube videos.

Abstract

11041 Background: The internet and social media have become a common source of medical information. Previous analyses have found that YouTube videos disseminate biased cancer related information of low to moderate quality. We analyzed online information disseminated by NCI-designated Cancer Centers (CC) through their YouTube pages. Methods: We searched CC websites and online search engines to identify CC-specific YouTube pages. Our sample included each CC’s top 20 most-viewed videos uploaded during 2019, which were < 5 minutes long, and available in English or Spanish. We examined video content themes and speaker demographics. For patient education videos, we evaluated content understandability and quality of information using validated measures [i.e., Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and DISCERN]. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 31 of 64 clinical NCI-designated CC had dedicated YouTube pages. Only 6 (19%) CC had videos in languages other than English. A total of 402 videos were examined for content themes and demographic characteristics. 43% focused on patient education (n = 175), 36% research (n = 139), 24% survivorship (n = 95), and 13% clinical trials (n = 52). 32% (n = 119) of speakers were doctors and 18% (n = 65) patients. Perceived speakers’ ethnicity was 57% White (n = 229), followed by Asian (15%, n = 60), Black or African American (8%, n = 32), and Latinx (4%, n = 16). Perceived gender of speakers was 49% women (n = 197) and 51% men (n = 203). Most videos were understandable (91%, n = 159), but only 21% (n = 36) provided high quality information. Videos discussing treatments lacked discussion of risks, alternate options, and effects on quality of life. Conclusions: Most patient education videos uploaded to NCI-designated CC YouTube pages have low to moderate quality information and limited ethnic diversity of speakers. With ongoing trends of increasing misinformation spreading through social media, CC have an opportunity to create and disseminate high-quality, reliable, and comprehensive educational videos that meet the informational needs of patients with cancer and their caregivers.[Table: see text]