Web-based information on the treatment of the mouth in systemic sclerosis

Ismail Abdouh,Stefano Fedele,Richeal Ni Riordain,Stephen Porter,Nadia Elgendy

doi:10.1186/s41927-020-00160-5

Abstract

BackgroundTo categorise the content and assess the quality and readability of the web-based information regarding treatment of the mouth in systemic sclerosis.MethodsAn online search using three different search terms regarding the treatment of the mouth in SSc was undertaken using the Google search engine. The first 100 websites from each search were selected for analysis. Data recorded included DISCERN instrument scores along with the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks and the presence of the Health on the Net seal (HON). Flesch Reading Ease Scores, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, the Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook Index and Coleman-Liau index were calculated to assess readability.ResultsFifty seven of the first websites remained for analysis after applying appropriate exclusion criteria. The mean overall DISCERN score was 2.37 (±1.01). Only 4 websites (7%) achieved all four JAMA benchmarks. Only 12 websites (21.1%) displayed the HON seal. The reading level was found to be difficult to very difficult among the majority of websites.ConclusionThe overall quality of the available online information concerning the treatment of the mouth of systemic sclerosis is questionable and requires a high level of reading skill. Further efforts should be directed toward establishing higher quality, reliable online information sources on the treatment of oral disease relevant to patients with systemic sclerosis.

Highlights

To categorise the content and assess the quality and readability of the web-based information regarding treatment of the mouth in systemic sclerosis
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2005) suggested that the highest quality of online information is usually administrated by governmental, non-profit and academic institutions the current results showed variations of quality among these available online sources and it might be related to a potential commercial bias as the highest number of included websites were categorised as a commercial sites (43.9%)
Current results suggest that the readability level of the available online information did not meet the recommended levels to be read and understood by the general population

Summary

Introduction

To categorise the content and assess the quality and readability of the web-based information regarding treatment of the mouth in systemic sclerosis. The recent emphasis on shared decision making in a clinical setting places an increased importance upon (2020) 4:61 patient education [6]. To effectively participate in clinical decisions regarding their healthcare patients need to be familiar with the risks and benefits of treatment options being considered [7]. The Worldwide Web is considered one of the most rapidly growing sources of healthcare information and patient self-education. Such online information is accessible and plentiful, there are concerns regarding the poor quality, inaccuracy and difficult readability of health-related information [8]. Poor quality information can limit the ability of a patient with chronic illness to cope with their disease [11]

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