Quality Of Online Information Research Articles

Assessing the reliability and readability of migraine treatment information on Turkish websites

BackgroundThe quality and safety of information provided on online platforms for migraine treatment remains uncertain. We evaluated the top 10 trending websites accessed annually by Turkish patients seeking solutions for migraine treatment and assessed information quality, security, and readability in this cross-sectional study.MethodsA comprehensive search strategy was conducted using Google starting in 2015, considering Türkiye’s internet usage trends. Websites were evaluated using the DISCERN measurement tool and Ateşman Turkish readability index.ResultsNinety websites were evaluated between 2015 and 2024. According to the DISCERN measurement tool, most websites exhibited low quality and security levels. Readability analysis showed that half of the websites were understandable by readers with 9th − 10th grade educational levels. The author distribution varied, with neurologists being the most common. A significant proportion of the websites were for profit. Treatment of attacks and preventive measures were frequently mentioned, but some important treatments, such as greater occipital nerve blockade, were rarely discussed.ConclusionThis study highlights the low quality and reliability of online information websites on migraine treatment in Türkiye. These websites’ readability level remains a concern, potentially hindering patients’ access to accurate information. This can be a barrier to migraine care for both patients with migraine and the physician. Better supervision and cooperation with reputable medical associations are needed to ensure the dissemination of reliable information to the public.

Abstract B105: Quality and Accessibility of Online Information Regarding CAR-T Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies

Abstract Background Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies have changed the treatment landscape for various hematologic malignancies and are currently under development and being tested in clinical trials for multiple solid tumors. Given that patients commonly use the internet as a source of health-related information, we sought to investigate the quality, understandability, and readability of online information regarding CAR-T therapy. Methods We conducted a search in a commonly used search engine (Google) of five pre-determined search terms to identify 100 unique web pages regarding CAR-T therapy. Scientific publications were excluded. Validated instruments were used to ascertain health information quality (DISCERN), understandability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool; PEMAT), and readability (Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and SMOG indices). Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results Among the 100 web pages reviewed, 68% originated from academic medical centers, and 64% included links to clinical trials. Only 11% of the web pages included references to primary literature. 17% of web pages were available in a language other than English, with Spanish (15%) and Arabic (7%) being the most common. Moderate-to-high quality information (DISCERN ≥ 3) was presented by 47% of web pages, and only 31% of web pages were considered understandable (PEMAT ≥ 70%). Average readability scores were 10.6 (SD = 2.09), 12.6 (SD = 2.3), and 13.1 (SD = 1.7) using the Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and SMOG indices, respectively. Conclusion Our study highlights that online information for CAR-T therapies commonly features low-quality health information that is typically not understandable to the general population. Further, contrary to recommendations from federal agencies and medical societies, available online information requires, on average, high school reading comprehension. Healthcare teams and stakeholders should strive to improve existing content and ensure patients have access to trusted, high-quality information given the unique complexities, processes, and toxicities associated with receiving CAR-T therapy. Citation Format: Luis C. Garcia, Ana I. Velázquez. Quality and Accessibility of Online Information Regarding CAR-T Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B105.

Patient education in the digital age: An analysis of quality and readability of online information on rhinoplasty.

This study aimed to investigate quality and readability of online rhinoplasty information provided on Turkish websites. We searched for the terms "rhinoplasty" (rinoplasti) and "nose job" (burun estetiği) in Turkish using the Google search engine in May 2023. The first 30 sites for each term were included in the evaluation. We used the DISCERN tool to evaluate quality and the Atesman and Cetinkaya-Uzun formulas to assess readability. According to the Atesman formula, the readability scores of all the websites were moderately difficult. According to the Cetinkaya-Uzun formula, the readability scores of websites were at the instructional reading level. The mean total DISCERN score was 2.33 ± 0.60, indicating poor quality. No statistically significant correlations were found between the Atesman or Cetinkaya-Uzun readability scores and the DISCERN scores across all websites (P > .05). Our analysis revealed key areas in which Turkish websites can improve the quality and readability of rhinoplasty information to support decision-making.

Diving into the Digital Landscape: Assessing the Quality of Online Information on Neonatal Jaundice for Parents.

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in newborns. While mild cases of jaundice are common and typically resolve spontaneously, severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to serious neurologic complications if left untreated. With the constant adaptation of guidelines, clinical management has significantly improved, and treatment has become routine for pediatricians. However, for parents of affected children, managing the condition is not routine. In today's digital age, parents often seek additional information by accessing a wide range of medical resources on the internet. While this can be empowering, it also presents challenges, as the quality and accuracy of online medical information can vary widely. Therefore, we analyzed the current quality of information on jaundice found on the internet by parents. A simulated internet search (using the Google search engine) was conducted from a layperson's perspective using German ("Neugeborenes Gelbsucht", "Baby Gelbsucht") and English ("jaundice newborn", "jaundice baby") search terms. Subsequently, the quality of the search results was assessed by two independent neonatologists based on the DISCERN Plus Score, HONcode certification, and the JAMA criteria. Websites targeting non-medical laypersons exhibited significant variability in quality. Notably, the content of English websites was superior to that of websites in the German language. The majority of English sites were predominantly institutional, whereas most German sites were commercially oriented. Although information on jaundice is readily accessible online for non-medical individuals, there were notable differences in quality based on language and significant variability in the quality of information warranting attention from healthcare professionals. Furthermore, German websites providing information on jaundice were often hosted by commercial organizations. We propose that pediatric societies engage in developing and maintaining organization-based medical information to improve online resources for parents.

Assessing the readability and quality of online patient information for laser tattoo removal

Just as tattoos continue to increase in popularity, many people with tattoos also seek removal, often due to career concerns. Prospective clients interested in laser tattoo removal may do research about the procedure online, as the internet increasingly becomes a resource to get preliminary health information. However, it is important that the online health information on the topic be of high quality and be accessible to all patients. We analyzed 77 websites from a Google search query using the terms “Laser tattoo removal patient Information” and “Laser tattoo removal patient Instructions” to assess this. The websites were evaluated for their readability using multiple validated indices and comprehensiveness. We found that websites had a broad readability range, from elementary to college, though most were above the recommended eighth-grade reading level. Less than half of the websites adequately discussed the increased risk of pigmentary complications in the skin of color clients or emphasized the importance of consulting with a board-certified dermatologist/plastic surgeon before the procedure. Over 90% of the websites noted that multiple laser treatments are likely needed for complete clearance of tattoos. The findings from our study underscore a significant gap in the accessibility and quality of online information for patients considering laser tattoo removal, particularly in addressing specific risks for patients with darker skin tones and emphasizing the need for consulting a board-certified physician before undergoing the procedure. It is important that online resources for laser tattoo removal be appropriately written to allow better decision-making, expectations, and future satisfaction for potential clients interested in the procedure.

Evaluation of the Quality of Online Information About Perinatal Depression in China

This study assessed the quality of Chinese-language websites that provide information about perinatal depression, focusing on their compliance with recognized quality standards, the impact of information content providers on information quality, and the correlation between search engine ranking and quality. We conducted a systematic search on the Baidu search engine and screened 55 relevant websites. The quality of these websites was assessed using the DISCERN instruments. Our findings suggest that the quality of information on websites about perinatal depression is predominantly 'poor', with commercial sites constituting the entirety of the sample, although health information content provided by non-profit organizations demonstrating significantly higher quality. There was a significant negative correlation between search engine rankings and the quality of information on perinatal depression, suggesting that higher quality content is less likely to be searched for and may hinder access to reliable information. This study highlights the urgent need for mechanisms to prioritize the display of high-quality information in search engine results to provide better assistance to Chinese patients with perinatal depression.

Evaluating the Internet as a Source of Information for Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Review of Websites' Content, Insights Into Engagement, and Access.

The Internet has become the primary information source for patients, with most turning to online resources before seeking medical advice. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of online information on hidradenitis suppurativa available to patients. The authors performed an Internet search using the search terms "hidradenitis suppurativa," "hidradenitis suppurativa treatment," "hidradenitis suppurativa surgery," and "acne inversa." They identified the initial 100 websites from Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Websites were evaluated based on the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients instrument. Of the 300 websites, 95 (31.7%) were incorporated after accounting for the exclusion criteria: duplicate entries, websites not pertinent to the subject matter, websites inaccessible due to location restrictions or necessitating user accounts for access, websites in languages other than English, and websites originating from scientific publications directed at a scientific audience rather than the general population. Ensuring Quality Information for Patients scores ranged from 5 to 30/36, with a median of 17. This analysis unveils a diverse array of websites that could confound patients navigating toward high-caliber resources. These barriers may hinder the access to top-tier online patient information and magnify disparities in referral rates, patient engagement, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life.

20 An Evaluation of the Quality and Readability of Online Information Regarding TMJ Dysfunction

Abstract Aim The accessibility and availability of the internet has allowed people to increasingly seek health information online, and therefore it plays an essential role in the decision-making process of the patient. The study aimed to assess the quality and readability of online health information on TMJ dysfunction. Method The search was conducted on Google using keywords: jaw pain, jaw locking, jaw discomfort, jaw clicking, jaw popping, temporomandibular joint, TMJ dysfunction, TMD and temporomandibular disorder. Ensuring Quality Information for Patient (EQIP) tool was used to assess quality of information and the application of readability score reflected through Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level(FKGL), Gunning-Fog Index(GFI) and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook(SMOG). Results 134 websites were eligible for assessment. The overall median EQIP score was 23, with an IQR of 7 and maximum score of 30. The most common source of information was healthcare industry (n=60; 45%), followed by news services (n=19; 14%), with a median EQIP score of 20 and 25 respectively. Statistically significant differences in overall EQIP scores were found between different sources of information (p=0.004). Only 31(23%) websites achieved the recommended 6th grade or below readability level, and only 14 (10%) discussed complication rates with none mentioning mortality rates at all. Conclusions Most online information on TMJ dysfunction is of suboptimal quality and readability. This study identified areas for improvements when producing patient material regarding TMJ dysfunction. To improve patient education and awareness, content creators should strive to be informative, accurate, and patient-centric.

P-717 Add-ons availability and quality of online information provided by Brazilian IVF clinics

Abstract Study question How do Brazilian fertility clinic websites advertise four IVF add-ons: assistedhatching (AH), preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A), ERA and sperm DNA fragmentation test. Summary answer Available information, about ivf add-ons in Brazil, on researched websites is heterogeneous and is not evidence-based according to the last published recommendations. What is known already Over 1 billion people worldwide use online resources to obtain health-related information. People struggling with infertility are increasingly turning to online resources for infertility-related content and social support. “Add-on” procedures are actively promoted on some fertility clinic websites as means to improve IVF success rates. However, the actual contribution of these interventions to IVF success rates remains debatable. ESHRE has recently issued 42 recommendations were formulated on the use of add-ons in IVF. At present, no study has evaluated the type and quality of the information provided on the Brazilian IVF clinics’ websites regarding the merits of “add-ons. Study design, size, duration Prospective evaluation of the availability and quality of information on four common add-ons provided by IVF clinics in the southeast of Brazil between October-November 2023. Clinics were identified using the national registry (SisEmbrio) as well as through manual online search. As only public online available information was used no ethical approval was necessary. Statistical analyses were restricted to descriptive of the frequency of each add-on and frequency of claims made in relation to their use. Participants/materials, setting, methods One reviewer took screenshots of the included clinic pages and claims and a second reviewer double-checked everything. The folowing information was colletced: availability of of the four add-ons; information on the effectiveness on: implanation rate(IR), pregnancy rate (PR) or live-birth rate (LBR); information on the scientifc uncertainty of the use of add-on and possible negative impact; for PGT-A if the clinic informed that the data obtained should be confirmed by prenatal diagnostic testing. Main results and the role of chance The websites of 122 IVF clinics were included. Nine clinics had no website or were offline. PGT-A was the most frequent available add-on (n = 77; 68%) but only two of them (2,5%) informed on PR. There was no information on IR nor LBR. Thirteen clinics (16,8%) acknowledged it could have adeverse effects but only one mentioned the scientifc uncertainty related to its use. Forty (35%) websites displayed AH with 7 reporting on possible negative effects but none disclosed success rates (PR, IR or LBR). Eight clinics admitted AH had uncertain benefits and seven noted possible negative impact. The sperm DNA fragmentation test was presented in 37 (33%) websites but none reported on potential adverse effects nor success rates in terms of PR, IR nor LBR. No website provided information on the uncertainty of the benefit of the test. The ERA-test was advertised in 28 (25%) websites with no information on its benefits on sucess rates. Three clinics advised it could have a negative impact and six agreed its effectiveness was unclear. The cost was never pesented for any of the add-ons researched in accordance to national regulations. Of note, 36 websites advertised other add-ond such as MSOME, ZYMOT and endometrial scrathcing. Limitations, reasons for caution The study was restricted to 122 clinics websites in the southeast of Brazil. Evalaution was restricted to four commons add-ons and the quality of the information provided could not be assessed as the clinics follow no specific regulation on how to advertise scientifc information to their patiens and general public. Wider implications of the findings The information provided by Brazilian IVF clinics could be misleading. The use of add-ons is surrounded by scientific uncertainly related to their benefits and cost-effectiveness therfeore it is of utmost importance that clinics reviewt heir websites and offer sound scientific data to patients and the general public as well. Trial registration number Not applicable

Evaluating the Overall Quality of Online Information on Nuclear Power Plant Accidents in Japanese

Information on professionally produced materials is beyond the reading level of the average adult and is difficult to read and understand. Additionally, the readability of nuclear emergency preparedness manuals in Japan is not clear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the understandability, actionability, readability, and quality of nuclear emergency preparedness manuals. A systematic quantitative content analysis of online resources was conducted from November 27 to December 8, 2023. The selection criteria were websites in Japanese related to nuclear disaster prevention and aimed at the general public. The PEMAT-P, jReadability, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, and Global Quality Scale were used to evaluate each web page. The number of respondents who scored 70 or higher on the PEMAT-P was 71 (61.2%) for Understandability and 57 (49.1%) for Actionability. Regarding the difficulty level of the texts by jReadability, "Difficult" was the most frequent response with 82 responses (70.7%). The JAMA Benchmark Criteria was 35.3% in 41 patients for attribution, 80.2% in 93 patients for currency, and a mean GQS of 4.1 (SD=1.0). This study quantitatively evaluated the understandability, actionability, readability, and quality of nuclear disaster prevention materials for the Japanese public. The findings suggest that text pertaining to nuclear disaster prevention materials may not be easily understood because it is beyond the reading comprehension of the average adult.

Enhancing patient information texts in orthopaedics: How OpenAI's 'ChatGPT' can help.

The internet has become a primary source for patients seeking healthcare information, but the quality of online information, particularly in orthopaedics, often falls short. Orthopaedic surgeons now have the added responsibility of evaluating and guiding patients to credible online resources. This study aimed to assess ChatGPT's ability to identify deficiencies in patient information texts related to total hip arthroplasty websites and to evaluate its potential for enhancing the quality of these texts. In August 2023, 25 websites related to total hip arthroplasty were assessed using a standardized search on Google. Peer-reviewed scientific articles, empty pages, dictionary definitions, and unrelated content were excluded. The remaining 10 websites were evaluated using the hip information scoring system (HISS). ChatGPT was then used to assess these texts, identify deficiencies and provide recommendations. The mean HISS score of the websites was 9.5, indicating low to moderate quality. However, after implementing ChatGPT's suggested improvements, the score increased to 21.5, signifying excellent quality. ChatGPT's recommendations included using simpler language, adding FAQs, incorporating patient experiences, addressing cost and insurance issues, detailing preoperative and postoperative phases, including references, and emphasizing emotional and psychological support. The study demonstrates that ChatGPT can significantly enhance patient information quality. ChatGPT's role in elevating patient education regarding total hip arthroplasty is promising. This study sheds light on the potential of ChatGPT as an aid to orthopaedic surgeons in producing high-quality patient information materials. Although it cannot replace human expertise, it offers a valuable means of enhancing the quality of healthcare information available online. Level IV.

19 An Evaluation of the Quality and Readability of Online Information Regarding Foreign Bodies of the Ear, Nose and Throat

19 An Evaluation of the Quality and Readability of Online Information Regarding Foreign Bodies of the Ear, Nose and Throat

Quality and readability of online information and materials on post-surgery breast seroma.

Aims/Background Seroma formation is the most common complication following breast surgery. However, there is little evidence on the readability of online patient education materials on this issue. This study aimed to assess the accessibility and readability of the relevant online information. Methods This systematic review of the literature identified 37 relevant websites for further analysis. The readability of each online article was assessed through using a range of readability formulae. Results The average Flesch-Reading Ease score for all patient education materials was 53.9 (± 21.9) and the average Flesch-Kincaid reading grade level was 7.32 (± 3.1), suggesting they were 'fairly difficult' to read and is higher than the recommended reading level. Conclusion Online patient education materials regarding post-surgery breast seroma are at a higher-than-recommended reading grade level for the public. Improvement would allow all patients, regardless of literacy level, to access such resources to aid decision-making around undergoing breast surgery.

Quality and Readability of Google Search Information on HoLEP for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Objective: To assess the quality and readability of online information on holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in managing benign prostate hyperplasia using the most-used search engine worldwide, Google. Methods: Google search terms “Holmium laser surgery” and “enlarged prostate” were used to generate 150 search results. Two independent authors (i) excluded any paywall, scientific literature, or advertisement and (ii) conducted an independent assessment on information quality, which was based on DISCERN, QUEST, and JAMA criteria, and readability, which was based on the FKG, GFI, SMOG, and FRE scores on qualified webpages. A third author was involved if there were any discrepancies between the assessments. Results: 107 qualified webpages were included in the data analysis. The median DISCERN score was 42 out of 80 (IQR 35–49). The median JAMA score was 0 out of 4 (IQR 0–1). The median QUEST score was 9 out of 28 (IQR 9–12). Using the non-parametric ANOVA and post hoc Games–Howell test, significant differences were identified between rankings of webpages. Sponsorship had no influence on the quality of webpages. The overall readability level required a minimum reading level of grade 11. Linear regression analysis showed that a higher ranked webpage is a positive predictor for all three quality assessment tools. Conclusions: The overall quality of online information on HoLEP is poor. We identify that the top-ranked google searches have a higher DISCERN score and are a positive predictor for DISCERN/QUEST/JAMA. Quality online information can benefit patients but should be used in conjunction with professional medical consultation.

A cross-sectional quantitative analysis of the readability and quality of online resources regarding thumb carpometacarpal joint replacement surgery

BackgroundThumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition that affects up to 15 ​% of the population older than 30 years. Poor readability of online health resources has been associated with misinformation, inappropriate care, incorrect self-treatment, worse health outcomes, and increased healthcare resource waste. This study aims to assess the readability and quality of online information regarding thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint replacement surgery. MethodsThe terms “thumb joint replacement surgery”, “thumb carpometacarpal joint replacement surgery”, “thumb cmc joint replacement surgery”, “thumb arthroplasty”, “thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty”, and “thumb cmc arthroplasty” were searched in Google and Bing. Readability was determined using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKGL). FRES >65 or a grade level score of sixth grade and under was considered acceptable. Quality was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and a modified DISCERN tool. PEMAT scores below 70 were considered poorly understandable and poorly actionable. ResultsA total of 34 websites underwent qualitative analysis. The average FRES was 54.60 ​± ​7.91 (range 30.30–67.80). Only 3 (8.82 ​%) websites had a FRES score >65. The average FKGL score was 8.19 ​± ​1.80 (range 5.60–12.90). Only 3 (8.82 ​%) websites were written at or below a sixth-grade level. The average PEMAT percentage score for understandability and actionability was 76.82 ​± ​9.43 (range 61.54–93.75) and 36.18 ​± ​24.12 (range 0.00–60.00) respectively. Although 22 (64.71 ​%) of websites met the acceptable standard of 70 ​% for understandability, none of the websites met the acceptable standard of 70 ​% for actionability. The average total DISCERN score was 32.00 ​± ​4.29 (range 24.00–42.00). ConclusionsMost websites reviewed were written above recommended reading levels. Most showed acceptable understandability but none showed acceptable actionability. To avoid the negative outcomes of poor patient understanding of online resources, providers of these resources should optimise accessibility to the average reader by using simple words, avoiding jargon, and analysing texts with readability software before publishing the materials online. Websites should also utilise visual aids and provide clearer pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

Quality, Reliability, Readability, and Accountability of Online Information on Leukocoria.

To evaluate the quality, reliability, and readability of online patient educational materials on leukocoria. In this cross-sectional study, the Google search engine was searched for the terms "leukocoria" and "white pupil." The first 50 search outcomes were evaluated for each search term based on predefined inclusion criteria, excluding duplicates, peer-reviewed papers, forum posts, paywalled content, and multimedia links. Sources were categorized as "institutional" or "private." Three independent raters assessed each website for quality and reliability using DISCERN, Health on the Net Code of Conduct (HONcode), and JAMA criteria. Readability was evaluated using seven formulas: Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index, Automated Readability Index (ARI), Linsear Write (LW), Gunning Fog Index (GFI), and Coleman-Liau Index (CLI). A total of 51 websites were included. Quality, assessed by the DISCERN tool, showed a median score of 4, denoting moderate to high quality, with no significant differences between institutional and private sites or search terms. HONcode scores indicated variable reliability and trustworthiness (median: 10, range: 3 to 16), with institutional sites excelling in financial disclosure and ad differentiation. Additionally, institutional and private sites performed well in reliability and accountability, as measured by the JAMA Benchmark criteria (median: 3; range: 1 to 4). Readability, averaging an 11.3 ± 3.7 grade level, did not differ significantly between site types or search terms, consistently falling short of the recommended sixth-grade level for patient educational materials. The patient educational materials on leukocoria demonstrated moderate to high quality, commendable reliability, and accountability. However, the readability scores were above the recommended level for the layperson. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 20XX;X(X):XX-XX.].

Evaluation of Online Shoulder Instability-Related Patient Education Materials

Background: Younger patients are more likely than older patients to experience shoulder instability and to rely on online educational resources. Although the Internet has increased patient access to medical information, this may not translate to increased health literacy. Purpose: We sought to analyze the quality and readability of online information on shoulder instability. Methods: We conducted a Google search using 6 terms related to shoulder instability. We collected the first 20 non-sponsored results for each term. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Gunning Fox Index (GFI) instruments. Quality was assessed using a Quality Grading Sheet (QGS) and the validated DISCERN instrument. Results: A total of 64 of 120 patient educational materials (PEMs) met the inclusion criteria. The mean FKGL, FRE, and GFI scores were 9.45 ± 0.552, 50.51 ± 3.4, and 11.5 ± 0.6, respectively. The mean DISCERN score and QGS rating were 33.09 ± 2.02 and 10.52 ± 1.28, respectively. While 49 (76.6%) articles discussed operative treatment for persistent shoulder instability, only 4 (6.3%) mentioned risks associated with surgery. Non-institutional sources had higher DISCERN scores than those from medical institutions. Conclusions: This review of online shoulder instability-related PEMs suggests that many do not meet current recommendations, with an average quality rating of “poor” and a mean ninth-grade reading level. Surgeons should be aware of the relative paucity of information on the risks and outcomes associated with operative treatment of shoulder instability contained in these PEMs.

Assessment of the Arabic patient-centered online information about orthodontic pain: A quality and readability assessment.

This study assesses the quality and readability of Arabic online information about orthodontic pain. With the increasing reliance on the internet for health information, especially among Arabic speakers, it's critical to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of available content. Our methodology involved a systematic search using the Arabic term for (Orthodontic Pain) in Google, Bing, and Yahoo. This search yielded 193,856 results, from which 74 websites were selected based on predefined criteria, excluding duplicates, scientific papers, and non-Arabic content. For quality assessment, we used the DISCERN instrument, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and the Health on the Net (HON) code. Readability was evaluated using the Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) scores. Results indicated that none of the websites received the HONcode seal. The DISCERN assessment showed median total scores of 14.96 (± 5.65), with low overall quality ratings. In JAMA benchmarks, currency was the most achieved aspect, observed in 45 websites (60.81%), but none met all four criteria simultaneously. Readability scores suggested that the content was generally understandable, with a median FKGL score of 6.98 and a median SMOG score of 3.98, indicating middle school-level readability. This study reveals a significant gap in the quality of Arabic online resources on orthodontic pain, highlighting the need for improved standards and reliability. Most websites failed to meet established quality criteria, underscoring the necessity for more accurate and trustworthy health information for Arabic-speaking patients.

Does the Internet Provide Quality Information on Metoidioplasty? Using the Modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients Tool to Evaluate Artificial Intelligence-Generated and Online Information on Metoidioplasty.

Public interest in gender affirmation surgery has surged over the last decade. This spike in interest, combined with extensive free online medical knowledge, has led many to the Internet for more information on this complicated procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of online information on metoidioplasty. Google Trends in searches on "metoidioplasty" from 2004 to present were assessed. "metoidioplasty" was searched on three popular search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing), and the first 100 websites from each search were extracted for inclusion (Fig. 1). Exclusion criteria included duplicates, websites requiring fees, photo libraries, and irrelevant websites. Websites were assigned a score (out of 36) using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) instrument, which grades patient materials based on content (18), identification (6), and structure (12). ChatGPT was also queried for metoidioplasty-related information and responses were analyzed using EQIP. Google Trends analysis indicated relative search interest in "metoidioplasty" has more than quadrupled since 2013(Fig. 2). Of the 93 websites included, only 2 received an EQIP score greater than 27 (6%). Website scores ranged from 7 to 33, with a mean of 18.6 ± 4.8. Mean scores were highest for websites made by health departments (22.3) and lowest for those made by encyclopedias and academic institutions (16.0). Websites with the highest frequency were research articles, web portals, hospital websites, and private practice sites, which averaged scores of 18.2, 19.7, 19.0, and 17.8, respectively. Health department sites averaged the highest content points (11.25), and academic institutions averaged the lowest (5.5). The average content point across all websites was 7.9 of 18. ChatGPT scored a total score of 29: 17 content, 2 identification, and 10 structures. The artificial intelligence chatbot scored the second highest score among all included online resources. Despite the continued use of search engines, the quality of online information on metoidioplasty remains exceptionally poor across most website developers. This study demonstrates the need to improve these resources, especially as interest in gender-affirming surgery continues to grow. ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence chatbots may be efficient and reliable alternatives for those seeking to understand complex medical information.

Investigation of the quality and health literacy demand of online information on pelvic floor exercises to reduce stress urinary incontinence.

Many women are embarrassed to discuss pelvic floor exercises with health professionals during pregnancy; instead they search the internet for information on pelvic floor exercises. This project investigated the quality and health literacy demand in terms of readability, understandability and actionability of information available on the internet relating to pelvic floor exercises. An analysis was conducted on 150 websites and 43 videos obtained from three consecutive Google searches relating to pelvic floor exercises. Websites were assessed for Health on the Net certification. Readability was assessed using a readability calculator, and understandability/actionability of website and video information was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) for Print or Audiovisual Materials. Less than one-third (24%) of the websites were certified for quality. The median readability score for the websites was grade 9 and the websites and videos both rated highly for understandability and actionability. The median understandability score for the website information was 87%, and the median actionability score was 71%. The median understandability score of the video information was 95.5% and the median actionability score was 100%. The understandability and actionability of video information was also significantly greater than that for website information (P < 0.01). Clinicians could consider directing patients to video-based resources when advising online pelvic floor exercise resources for women during pregnancy, especially those with lower health literacy.