DISCERN Questionnaire Research Articles

Qualitative analysis of Portuguese-language YouTube videos about autism spectrum disorders

BackgroundIn the digital age, social media platforms such as YouTube have become significant channels for disseminating health information, including content related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The quality and reliability of this information, especially when produced by healthcare professionals, are crucial for public health education and promotion. This study aims the content of Portuguese-language videos about the treatment of ASD on YouTube, produced by healthcare providers from 2019 to 2023, assessing their quality and alignment with evidence-based practices. MethodsA qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used, with content analysis based on Bardin's method. A total of 41 videos were selected using keywords related to ASD. Transcriptions were analyzed for discussions on treatment approaches, best practices, and professional recommendations according to DSM-V and ICD-10 guidelines. The quality of information was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire. ResultsThe analysis revealed significant variability in the quality of the information. Videos were categorized into four quality groups based on DISCERN scores: good (n = 6), moderate (n = 11), poor (n = 20), and very poor (n = 4). Good quality videos had the highest engagement metrics and overall quality scores. Common themes identified included defining and understanding ASD, ABA interventions and strategies, family and social impact, skills development, and challenges and solutions. ConclusionWhile some videos provided accurate, evidence-based information, a substantial portion did not meet minimum quality criteria. This highlights the need for improved mechanisms to ensure the dissemination of reliable health information on social media platforms.

Prompt matters: evaluation of large language model chatbot responses related to Peyronie's disease.

Despite direct access to clinicians through the electronic health record, patients are increasingly turning to the internet for information related to their health, especially with sensitive urologic conditions such as Peyronie's disease (PD). Large language model (LLM) chatbots are a form of artificial intelligence that rely on user prompts to mimic conversation, and they have shown remarkable capabilities. The conversational nature of these chatbots has the potential to answer patient questions related to PD; however, the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and readability of these LLMs related to PD remain unknown. To assess the quality and readability of information generated from 4 LLMs with searches related to PD; to see if users could improve responses; and to assess the accuracy, completeness, and readability of responses to artificial preoperative patient questions sent through the electronic health record prior to undergoing PD surgery. The National Institutes of Health's frequently asked questions related to PD were entered into 4 LLMs, unprompted and prompted. The responses were evaluated for overall quality by the previously validated DISCERN questionnaire. Accuracy and completeness of LLM responses to 11 presurgical patient messages were evaluated with previously accepted Likert scales. All evaluations were performed by 3 independent reviewers in October 2023, and all reviews were repeated in April 2024. Descriptive statistics and analysis were performed. Without prompting, the quality of information was moderate across all LLMs but improved to high quality with prompting. LLMs were accurate and complete, with an average score of 5.5 of 6.0 (SD, 0.8) and 2.8 of 3.0 (SD, 0.4), respectively. The average Flesch-Kincaid reading level was grade 12.9 (SD, 2.1). Chatbots were unable to communicate at a grade 8 reading level when prompted, and their citations were appropriate only 42.5% of the time. LLMs may become a valuable tool for patient education for PD, but they currently rely on clinical context and appropriate prompting by humans to be useful. Unfortunately, their prerequisite reading level remains higher than that of the average patient, and their citations cannot be trusted. However, given their increasing uptake and accessibility, patients and physicians should be educated on how to interact with these LLMs to elicit the most appropriate responses. In the future, LLMs may reduce burnout by helping physicians respond to patient messages.

The Content, Reliability, and Quality of Insulin Pen Injection Videos on YouTube as Patient Education Resource.

This study, conducted using the descriptive-correlational model, aims to evaluate the content, reliability, and quality of insulin pen injection videos on YouTube. The video-sharing platform YouTube was searched with the keyword "insulin pen injection." Of the 101 relevant videos, 49 were included in the study. Video contents were evaluated independently by the "Insulin Pen Injection Guide Form," their reliability by the "DISCERN Questionnaire," and their quality by the "Global Quality Scale." Of the 49 videos that met the inclusion criteria, 55.1% contained useful information, and 44.8% contained misleading information. The videos that were found to be useful were longer and had higher DISCERN and content scores. A statistically significant positive correlation was determined between the videos' DISCERN and content scores (r = 0.772, P < .001). More than half of the insulin pen injection videos available on YouTube are helpful, but the number of misleading videos is close to the helpful ones. Thus, it may be recommended that the insulin pen injection videos be evaluated by experts in line with evidence-based guidelines before sharing them on YouTube.

Content, educational value and quality analysis of videos about neurorehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis on YouTube®.

The use of YouTube® has spread among patients with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). These patients consult the available videos to learn more about their disease in terms of diagnosis and making decisions about treatments, including rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content, educational value, and quality analysis of MS videos about neurorehabilitation on YouTube® using quantitative instruments. A search was conducted on YouTube®. The first 30 videos that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The videos were classified according to the upload source and the content. All videos included in the review were assessed by the DISCERN questionnaire, the JAMA benchmark, the global quality scale (GQS) and the video information and quality index (VIQI). The mean scores were: 28.3 (±9.33) in DISCERN, 2 (±0.81) in JAMA, 2.57 (±1.22) in GQS, and 11.73 (±4.06) in VIQI. JAMA score statistically significantly differed according to upload source (p = 0.002), video content (p = 0.023) and the speaker (p = 0.002). The DISCERN, JAMA, GQS, and VIQI scores showed significant correlations with each other. The analyzed videos about neurorehabilitation in people with MS on YouTube® were quite old since the upload, with a moderate duration and number of views, but with a poor quality of the content, educational value, and quality analysis of the videos. Our research showed that there were statistically significant differences in terms of quality, transparency, and reliability of the information, depending on the upload source, video content and the speaker.

Analysis of internet educational websites on tobacco cessation: A content analysis

Background There have been significant changes in the lifestyles of individuals in the past few decades, which has led to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Both smoking and chewing forms of tobacco are highly prevalent, especially in India, and are implicated as causes of diseases, including oropharyngeal carcinomas. Effective tobacco cessation techniques and sources can help overcome addiction and reduce the disease burden in society. The aim was to evaluate the quality and readability of contents of various sources on an internet website about tobacco cessation. Objectives i) To evaluate the readability of internet content (Google) regarding tobacco cessation using Flesch–Kincaid readability tests and the quality of internet content (Google) by using the JAMA benchmark, HONcode and DISCERN questionnaire. Methods A content review was employed to screen the content of the Google search engine for educational tobacco cessation websites, and the top 50 websites were selected according to criteria and reviewed by two reviewers. The readability of the internet content (Google) regarding tobacco cessation was evaluated using Flesch–Kincaid readability tests. The quality of the screened sites was evaluated by using the JAMA benchmark, HONcode and DISCERN questionnaire, and the readability and quality of the screened websites were correlated using the above instruments. Results FK readability ease was found to be 49% standard and 30% easy. The FK grade test found that 33% of the content could be easily understood by &lt; 5th grade. All 4 JAMA benchmarks were met by 23% of websites, and authorship was the least fulfilled criterion. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between FK ease score and FK grade score. Conclusions The Read-ability Ease and Read-ability Grade Levels of the websites related to tobacco cessation were not standard, and few websites fulfilled the JAMA benchmarks and had HONcode certification.

Evaluating the Accuracy, Quality, and Readability of Online Breast Cancer Information.

To assess the accuracy, quality, and readability of patient-focused breast cancer websites using expert evaluation and validated tools. Ensuring access to accurate, high-quality, and readable online health information supports informed decision-making and health equity but has not been recently evaluated. A qualitative analysis on 50 websites was conducted; the first 10 eligible websites for the following search terms were included: "breast cancer," "breast surgery," "breast reconstructive surgery," "breast chemotherapy," and "breast radiation therapy." Websites were required to be in English and not intended for healthcare professionals. Accuracy was evaluated by 5 breast cancer specialists. Quality was evaluated through the DISCERN questionnaire. Readability was measured using 9 standardized tests. Mean readability was compared with the American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health 6th grade recommendation. Nonprofit hospital websites had the highest accuracy (mean = 4.06, SD = 0.42); however, no statistical differences were observed in accuracy by website affiliation (P = 0.08). The overall mean quality score was 50.8 ("fair"/"good" quality) with no significant differences among website affiliations (P = 0.10). Mean readability was at the 10th grade reading level, the lowest being for commercial websites with a mean 9th grade reading level (SD = 2.38). All websites exceeded the American Medical Association- and National Institutes of Health-recommended reading level by 4.4 levels (P < 0.001). Websites with higher accuracy tended to have lower readability levels, whereas those with lower accuracy had higher readability levels. As breast cancer treatment has become increasingly complex, improving online quality and readability while maintaining high accuracy is essential to promote health equity and empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

How trustworthy is online dental information for individuals with Down syndrome from Ibero-American countries?

Internet has become an indispensable source of health-related information. However, several studies have shown there to be a lack of quality control for webpages related to disability. Specifically, available content concerning Down syndrome (DS) and dentistry is limited and of dubious quality. The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of online content in Spanish and Portuguese on dental care for individuals with DS. A simultaneous search in Google and Bing using the terms "Down syndrome" and "odontology/dentist/dental treatment" in Spanish and Portuguese was conducted in seven Ibero-American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal). The first 100 consecutive pages of results from the three combinations of terms in each of the search engines were accessed and selected by applying conventional exclusion criteria. The selected pages were classified according to their authorship, specificity and dissemination potential. The quality of the online content was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire and the Questionnaire to Evaluate Health Web Sites According to European Criteria (QEEC). The presence of the Health On Net (HON) and Accredited Medical Website (AMW) seals was also assessed. The mean DISCERN score was 2.51±0.85 and 2.57±0.86 for the Spanish and Portuguese webpages, respectively. The mean readability score was 3.43±1.26 and 3.25±1.08 for the Spanish and Portuguese webpages, respectively. None of the selected webpages presented the HONcode or AMW trust seals. The content available online in Spanish and Portuguese regarding Down syndrome and dentistry is scarce and of highly questionable quality.

"Does My Kid Have an Ear Infection?" An Analysis of Pediatric Acute Otitis Media Videos on TikTok.

With the rise of social media, online platforms have become a common way to access healthcare information. This study examines the quality of pediatric acute otitis media (AOM) videos on TikTok, a popular short-form video social media platform. A TikTok search was conducted between 8/18 and 8/19/2023 using pediatric AOM hashtags: #pediatric acute otitis media management, #kid ear infections remedy, #child ear infections treatment, and #kid ear infection. Data collected include number of views/shares per day, uploader type (nonmedical influencer, lay individual, and medical professional), and content categories. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Material (PEMAT-AV) and DISCERN questionnaire measured understandability, actionability, and quality of videos. Multivariable linear regression models were used (significance set at ≤0.05). Of 166 videos, 38.6% (64) of uploaders were medical professionals, and 32.5% (54) were nonmedical influencers. Nonmedical influencer videos were viewed and shared significantly more than those by medical professionals (p < 0.05). Controlling for covariates, physicians were more likely to produce more beneficial and higher quality videos as compared with nonmedical influencers (β = 2.4 and 1.3, p < 0.01, respectively). However, physicians did not have significantly different ratings for understandability compared with nonmedical influencers (β = 0.45, p > 0.05). AOM content on TikTok is often geared toward caretakers of symptomatic children. Although physician-created AOM content was significantly higher quality, these videos reached a statistically smaller audience than those from nonmedical influencers. Addressing misinformation on social media platforms requires physicians to reach larger audiences by producing more actionable and understandable content. NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Is YouTube a Sufficient and Reliable Source to Inform Patients About Cardiac Rehabilitation?: A Cross-sectional Study.

There is a growing concern surrounding the utility of medical content on social media. In this study, the popularity metrics and content quality of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) videos on YouTube regarding patient education were examined. Using the search key word "cardiac rehabilitation," we analyzed the 50 most relevant videos. Our video popularity analytics encompassed viewing rate, such as ratio, number of comments, and the video power index (VPI). We assessed content quality using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), the modified DISCERN questionnaire, Journal of the American Medical Association ( JAMA ) benchmark criteria, Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio/Visual Materials (PEMAT-A/V), and a novel tool, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Specific Scale (CRSS). Notably, 78% of the videos were uploaded by medical organizations. The average viewing rate was 4.6 views per day. There were positive correlations between the scores from different content quality scales. Median scores for the GQS, the modified DISCERN questionnaire, JAMA benchmark criteria, and the CRSS were 3, 3.5, 2, and 5, respectively. Mean PEMAT-A/V scores were 60.4% for understandability and 38.3% for actionability. Videos published by entities other than medical centers predicted lower CRSS and GQS scores. High JAMA benchmark criteria scores were negative predictors of VPI, view rate, and number of comments. Our findings suggest that CR-related videos on YouTube are characterized by low popularity, average content quality and understandability, but a lack of reliability and actionability. To ensure individuals seek accurate CR information on social media platforms, we recommend directing them to videos uploaded by medical centers.

Assessing the readability, reliability, and quality of artificial intelligence chatbot responses to the 100 most searched queries about cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An observational study.

This study aimed to evaluate the readability, reliability, and quality of responses by 4 selected artificial intelligence (AI)-based large language model (LLM) chatbots to questions related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This was a cross-sectional study. Responses to the 100 most frequently asked questions about CPR by 4 selected chatbots (ChatGPT-3.5 [Open AI], Google Bard [Google AI], Google Gemini [Google AI], and Perplexity [Perplexity AI]) were analyzed for readability, reliability, and quality. The chatbots were asked the following question: "What are the 100 most frequently asked questions about cardio pulmonary resuscitation?" in English. Each of the 100 queries derived from the responses was individually posed to the 4 chatbots. The 400 responses or patient education materials (PEM) from the chatbots were assessed for quality and reliability using the modified DISCERN Questionnaire, Journal of the American Medical Association and Global Quality Score. Readability assessment utilized 2 different calculators, which computed readability scores independently using metrics such as Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Gunning Fog Readability and Automated Readability Index. Analyzed 100 responses from each of the 4 chatbots. When the readability values of the median results obtained from Calculators 1 and 2 were compared with the 6th-grade reading level, there was a highly significant difference between the groups (P < .001). Compared to all formulas, the readability level of the responses was above 6th grade. It can be seen that the order of readability from easy to difficult is Bard, Perplexity, Gemini, and ChatGPT-3.5. The readability of the text content provided by all 4 chatbots was found to be above the 6th-grade level. We believe that enhancing the quality, reliability, and readability of PEMs will lead to easier understanding by readers and more accurate performance of CPR. So, patients who receive bystander CPR may experience an increased likelihood of survival.

Using Large Language Models to Generate Educational Materials on Childhood Glaucoma

PurposeTo evaluate the quality, readability, and accuracy of large language model (LLM) generated patient education materials (PEMs) on childhood glaucoma, and their ability to improve existing online information's readability. DesignCross-sectional comparative study. MethodsWe evaluated responses of ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, and Bard to three separate prompts requesting they write PEMs on “childhood glaucoma.” Prompt A required PEMs be “easily understandable by the average American.” Prompt B required PEMs be written “at a 6th-grade level using Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) readability formula.” We then compared responses’ quality (DISCERN questionnaire, Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT)), readability (SMOG, Flesch–Kincaid Grading Level (FKGL)), and accuracy (Likert Misinformation scale). To assess the improvement of readability for existing online information, Prompt C requested LLM rewrite 20 resources from a Google search of keyword “childhood glaucoma” to the American Medical Association-recommended “6th-grade level.” Rewrites were compared on key metrics such as readability, complex words (≥3 syllables), and sentence count. ResultsAll 3 LLM generated PEMs that were of high quality, understandability, and accuracy (DISCERN≥4, ≥70% PEMAT understandability, Misinformation score=1). Prompt B responses were more readable than Prompt A responses for all 3 LLM (p≤0.001). ChatGPT-4 generated the most readable PEMs compared to ChatGPT-3.5 and Bard (p≤0.001). Although Prompt C responses showed consistent reduction of mean SMOG and FKGL scores, only ChatGPT-4 achieved the specified 6th-grade reading level (4.8 ± 0.8 and 3.7 ± 1.9, respectively). ConclusionLLMs can serve as strong supplementary tools in generating high quality, accurate, and novel PEMs, and improving the readability of existing PEMs on childhood glaucoma.

Analysis of the quality information provided by “Dr. YouTube™” on premature ejaculation

ABSTRACT Background: YouTube™ is an important online resource to access health-related online information by the public worldwide. However, the quality of information available on it has not been adequately characterized. Aim: To assess the quality and reliability of information available on the treatment of premature ejaculation (PME) on YouTube™ in the Hindi and English language videos. Materials and Methods: A total of 151 (Hindi: 109, English: 42) YouTube videos were selected for assessment. The quality was evaluated using structured tools: Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT); and a 5-point modified DISCERN questionnaire (Range: 1-serious shortcomings; 5-minimal shortcomings). PEMAT assesses the understandability and actionability of video as separate percentages. Results: Three most common treatments suggested for PME were Kegel exercise (22.5%), start–stop technique (21.9%), and antidepressant medications (20.5%). Antidepressant medications, stop-squeeze techniques, and psychotherapy were more frequently suggested in English videos, whereas ayurvedic or herbal medicines were more frequently suggested in Hindi videos. About two-thirds of videos presented information in an easy-to-understand and actionable manner (PEMAT scores ≥70%). Only 6% of videos had a DISCERN score of ≥4, indicating good overall quality of information presented in them. Conclusion: People likely to encounter poor-quality information when seeking information for PME treatment on YouTube. A large number of videos suggested ineffective or unproven treatment strategies for PME. Healthcare professionals need to be mindful of this while counselling patients, and guide them regarding useful and reliable sources of health information available online.

ChatGPT as an information tool in rhinology. Can we trust each other today?

ChatGPT (Chat-Generative Pre-trained Transformer) has proven to be a powerful information tool on various topics, including healthcare. This system is based on information obtained on the Internet, but this information is not always reliable. Currently, few studies analyze the validity of these responses in rhinology. Our work aims to assess the quality and reliability of the information provided by AI regarding the main rhinological pathologies. We asked to the default ChatGPT version (GPT-3.5) 65 questions about the most prevalent pathologies in rhinology. The focus was learning about the causes, risk factors, treatments, prognosis, and outcomes. We use the Discern questionnaire and a hexagonal radar schema to evaluate the quality of the information. We use Fleiss's kappa statistical analysis to determine the consistency of agreement between different observers. The overall evaluation of the Discern questionnaire resulted in a score of 4.05 (± 0.6). The results in the Reliability section are worse, with an average score of 3.18. (± 1.77). This score is affected by the responses to questions about the source of the information provided. The average score for the Quality section was 3.59 (± 1.18). Fleiss's Kappa shows substantial agreement, with a K of 0.69 (p < 0.001). The ChatGPT answers are accurate and reliable. It generates a simple and understandable description of the pathology for the patient's benefit. Our team considers that ChatGPT could be a useful tool to provide information under prior supervision by a health professional.

Assessment of the quality of online patient-oriented information on robotic colorectal surgery.

With advances in modern medicine, there is a constant need for accurate and up-to-date readily available information online to ensure patients are well-equipped for informed decision making. This study sets out to analyze websites that provide patient-centered information on robotic colorectal surgery. Three search engines (Google, Yahoo and Firefox) were used with search terms 'robotic colorectal surgery' and the first 20 results on each platform assessed. After screening sites using predetermined criteria, further analysis was performed with the DISCERN questionnaire and Cohen Kappa analysis. Out of the 60 websites identified from the initial search, only 14 websites contained patient information on robotic colorectal surgery. Of these, only three (21%) sites had been updated in the past year and one site was last updated 10 years ago. Ten (71%) websites were affiliated with hospitals and the majority (12, 86%) were based in the United States of America (USA). Approximately half of the websites explored alternative surgical techniques, only three (21%) discussed the risks, a similar number had details on post-operative experience, and none mentioned cost implications, ongoing research or the waiting list involved. Overall, no website had a perfect score of 5 to be classified as good or excellent. There was at least a fair level of agreement (reliability score of > 0.2) in 12 DISCERN criteria (80%), 4 of which were statistically significant. Despite the huge volume of generic information on colorectal surgery, there is still a paucity of comprehensive patient-centered information on robotics as a modality of treatment.

The quality and reliability of patient education regarding sound therapy videos for tinnitus on YouTube.

Numerous online videos are available on sound therapy as a treatment modality for tinnitus, but it is uncertain if these videos are adequate for patient education. This study aims to evaluate the quality and reliability of tinnitus sound therapy videos on YouTube for patient education. YouTube videos were searched using keywords related to "tinnitus sound therapy". The top 100 videos were analyzed after excluding those were repetitive, irrelevant, less than 3 min, or not in English. After categorising the videos based on their authorship and content, the video power index (VPI) was relied to determine their popularity. The DISCERN questionnaire (DISCERN), the Global Quality Score (GQS), the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria (JAMA), and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) were utilized to evaluate the quality, transparency, and patient education. Over half (56%) of the videos were published by professional organizations. A total of 93% of them contained sound only. Only 17% followed the recommendations of the Clinical Management of Tinnitus Guidelines, and 3% provided literature referenced by the video. A variety types of sound were used, among which music accounting for 35%. The videos were highly popular with an average views of 7,335,003.28 ± 24,174,764.02 and an average VPI of 4,610.33 ± 11,531.10. However, their quality was poor (the median scores: 38/80 for DISCERN, 2/5 for GQS, 1/4 for JAMA, and 50%/100% for PEMAT). There was a negative correlation between the popularity of the videos and their quality, indicated by PEMAT: -0.207, DISCERN: -0.307, GQS: -0.302, and JAMA: -0.233. Several dimensions of the videos require improvement, especially actionability, treatment options, and transparency with lacks of 100%, 63%, and 75% respectively. The tinnitus sound therapy videos available on YouTube exhibit low quality. Nevertheless, they also hold potential for health education if refined and utilized suitably.

Diabetes and Instagram: Analysis of Information in Brazilian Publications

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemia. It is a vast disease, involving different classifications, signs, symptoms, and treatment approaches, especially pharmacological. With digital technologies, social media, and the Internet have become disseminating agents of health information, which is often incomplete and incorrect. This study aimed to evaluate the information about pharmacological treatments for DM on Brazilian publications’ Instagram social media platforms. Data from around 300 publications were collected for this study, which was conducted between 2021 and 2022. The characteristics, engagement, and quality of the information were analyzed using the Discern Questionnaire tool. Content evaluation was applied to categories not included in the quality tool. The type of information presented was classified as information disorder. Data were described using descriptive statistics, and inter-examiner agreement was calculated using the kappa coefficient. It was observed that the profiles publishing the information had an average of 6,263.3 followers. Type 2 DM was mentioned in 46.3% of the publications, and the most cited drugs were metformin (10.3%) and NPH insulin (7%). The quality of the information was classified as very poor in 68.8% of the publications. Regarding analysis of the content and type of information, indication, forms of administration, and non-pharmacological treatment presented misinformation and/or disinformation. It is, therefore, important to reinforce digital literacy, so that people can discern the content they are absorbing. Likewise, public policies aimed at regulating the content circulating in the media, are fundamental tools to ensure better information about DM through the Internet.

Quality of Spine Surgery Information on Social Media: A DISCERN Analysis of TikTok Videos.

The use of social media applications to disseminate information has substantially risen in recent decades. Spine and back pain-related hashtags have garnered several billion views on TikTok. As such, these videos, which share experiences, offer entertainment, and educate users about spinal surgery, have become increasingly influential. Herein, we assess the quality of spine surgery content TikTok from providers and patients. Fifty hashtags encompassing spine surgery ("#spinalfusion," "#scoliosissurgery," and "#spinaldecompression") were searched using TikTok's algorithm and included. Two independent reviewers rated the quality of each video via the DISCERN questionnaire. Video metadata (likes, shares, comments, views, length) were all collected; type of content creator (musculoskeletal, layperson) and content category (educational, patient experience, entertainment) were determined. The overall DISCERN score was, on average, 24.4. #Spinalfusion videos demonstrated greater engagement, higher average likes (p = 0.02), and more comments (p < 0.001) compared to #spinaldecompression and #scoliosissurgery. #Spinaldecompression had the highest DISCERN score (p < 0.001), likely explained by the higher percentage of videos that were educational (p < 0.001) and created by musculoskeletal (MSK) professionals (p < 0.001). Compared to laypersons, MSK professionals had significantly higher quality videos (p < 0.001). Similarly, the educational category demonstrated higher quality videos (p < 0.001). Video interaction trended lower with MSK videos and educational videos had the lowest interaction of the content categories (likes: p = 0.023, comments: p = 0.005). The quality of spine surgery videos on TikTok is low. As the influence of the new social media landscape governs how the average person consumes information, MSK providers should participate in disseminating high-quality content.

Calidad de la información en TikTok sobre el tratamiento de la rotura de menisco.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality on the social netwok TikTok related to the treatment of meniscal tears. Material and methods: The first 50 videos were selected, analyzing authorship, duration and various metrics, such as followers, visits, likes, duration, comments and forwards. The DISCERN questionnaire, the global quality scale (GQS), the PEMAT score and the JAMA assessment were used to evaluate the quality of the information. The popularity of the videos was measured with the VPI index. Results: We did not find videos of academic origin. The average duration is 51.5 seconds. The videos accumulate an average of 334 531 followers and 318 412 visits. The videos had a mean DISCERN score of 24.2, GCS of 1.55, PEMAT of 8.36 and JAMA of 0.65. The VPI index is 3.71. Conclusions: The results show that the quality of videos on TikTok about the treatment of meniscal tears is generally low.

Youtube as a source of information about stroke rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: Although stroke rehabilitation (SR) is part of post-stroke recovery, patients have limited knowledge on this subject. This study aims to analyze YouTube videos about SR in terms of the information value and quality. Methods: On YouTube.com; the word “SR” was searched in September 6th, 2021. The listed first 100 videos were classified according to count of like, dislike, source of upload, origin of country and contents of SR. Quality, reliability and accuracy of the videos were determined with Global Quality Score (GQS), Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria and Modified DISCERN questionnaire, respectively. Results: According to the results of the study, 59 low quality, 28 medium quality, and 13 high-quality videos were determined. Eighty one percent of the videos contained insufficient data. Academic and physician-sourced videos comprised the majority (84.7%) of the high-quality group. A statistically significant result was found between the video sources and the number of views, likes, dislikes, comments, and video duration (p&lt;0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between video durations and GQS (r=0.671), JAMA benchmark criteria (r=0.665), modified DISCERN (r=0.701) scores (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed that most of the YouTube videos on SR have poor quality and insufficient data. High-quality videos have a longer duration and are uploaded by academic and physician video sources. YouTube can be considered an alternative resource besides tele rehabilitation for patients who need SR and whose health care was interrupted during the COVID pandemic. It can be said that higher-quality videos created by health professionals will be more useful for patient education in future.

Readability and Quality of Online Information on Sickle Cell Retinopathy for Patients

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the readability and quality of internet-based health information on sickle cell retinopathy. DesignThe study is a retrospective cross-sectional website analysis. MethodsTo simulate a patient's online search, the terms “sickle cell retinopathy” and “sickle cell disease in the eye” were entered into the top three search engines (Google, Bing and Yahoo). The first 20 results of each search were retrieved and screened for analysis. The DISCERN questionnaire, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) standards and the Health on the Net (HON) criteria were used to evaluate the quality of the information. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), the Flesch Reading Ease (FRES) and the Automated Readability Index (ARI) were used to assess the readability of each website. ResultsOut of 16 online sources, 12 (75%) scored moderately on the DISCERN tool. The mean DISCERN score was 40.91 (SD 10.39; maximum possible, 80). None of the sites met all the JAMA benchmarks and only three (18.75%) of the websites had HONcode certification. All the websites had scores above the target American Medical Association grade level of six on both the FKGL and ARI. The mean FRES was 57.76 (±4.61), below the recommended FRES of 80-90. ConclusionThere is limited online information available on sickle cell retinopathy. Most included websites were fairly difficult to read and of substandard quality. The quality and readability of internet-based patient-focused information on sickle cell retinopathy needs to be improved.