YouTube™ as a source of parents' information for craniosynostosis

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the content, reliability and quality levels of YouTube™ videos regarding craniosynostosis for parents' information.MethodsA keyword search for ‘craniosynostosis’ was conducted on YouTube, and the uniform resource locators of the first 160 videos were initially recorded and evaluated. Ninety‐four videos that met the inclusion criteria were analysed. Each video received a score ranging from 0 to 9 points, classifying them as low‐content (0‐3), moderate‐content (4‐6) and high‐content (7‐9). The reliability scores adapted from DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) scores were recorded.ResultsThe median content score for the videos was 4. According to the content scores, 34% of included videos (n = 32) were classified as low‐content, 60.6% (n = 57) as moderate‐content, and 5.3% (n = 5) as high‐content. The median reliability score for the videos was 3, and the median GQS score was 3. The reliability and quality levels of videos classified as high‐content and moderate‐content were significantly superior to low‐content videos (P < .05). Laypersons were identified as the most frequent source of information in the videos. However, most of the videos lacked information about syndromic/non‐syndromic forms and specific complications. The importance of early referral/timing of surgery and minimally invasive surgical treatment techniques was mentioned in all high‐content videos.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that YouTube™ in its current format, is not a fully trustable source for parents seeking information on craniosynostosis. Craniofacial units must increase the content, quality and reliability level of videos on craniosynostosis.