scholarly journals A fountain of knowledge? The quality of online resources for testicular cancer patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Yeo ◽  
Bernhard Eigl ◽  
Paris-Ann Ingledew
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Level System ◽  
Solid Malignancy ◽  
Cancer Resources ◽  
Readability Level

Introduction: Testicular cancer is the most common solid malignancy diagnosed in young men aged 15–29. This population is also the age group that searches most actively for health information online. This study systematically evaluates the quality of websites available to patients with testicular cancer. Methods: The term “testicular cancer” was inputted into the search engines Google, Dogpile, and Yippy. The top 100 websites intended for patient education were compiled. A validated structural rating tool was used to evaluate the websites with respect to attribution, currency, disclosure, interactivity, readability, and content. Results: Less than half of the websites (44) disclosed authorship. Sixty-one websites provided a last modified date, and of those, 46 were updated in the last two years. The average readability level was 11.01 using the Flesh Kincaid grade level system. The most accurate topic was treatment, with 82 websites being completely accurate and containing all required information. The least accurate topic was prognosis, with 27 being completely accurate. Conclusions: These results show that authorship and currency are lacking in many online testicular resources, making it difficult for patients to validate the reliability of information. The high average readability of testicular cancer websites can affect comprehension. Topics such as prognosis were incompletely covered although represent an area for which patients often seek more information. These results can be used to counsel patients on the strength and weaknesses of online testicular cancer resources.

scholarly journals Quality Assessment of Online Patient Information for Cosmetic Botulinum Toxin

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. NP636-NP642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Barbarite ◽  
David Shaye ◽  
Samuel Oyer ◽  
Linda N Lee
Keyword(s):  
Botulinum Toxin ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Botulinum Toxin Injection ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Accuracy Score ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease

Abstract Background In an era of widespread Internet access, patients increasingly look online for health information. Given the frequency with which cosmetic botulinum toxin injection is performed, there is a need to provide patients with high-quality information about this procedure. Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the quality of printed online education materials (POEMs) about cosmetic botulinum toxin. Methods An Internet search was performed to identify 32 websites of various authorship types. Materials were evaluated for accuracy and inclusion of key content points. Readability was measured by Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Understandability and actionability were assessed with the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printed Materials. The effect of authorship was measured by undertaking analysis of variance between groups. Results The mean [standard deviation] accuracy score among all POEMs was 4.2 [0.7], which represents an accuracy of 76% to 99%. Mean comprehensiveness was 47.0% [16.4%]. Mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease scores were 10.7 [2.1] and 47.9 [10.0], respectively. Mean understandability and actionability were 62.8% [18.8%] and 36.2% [26.5%], respectively. There were no significant differences between accuracy (P > 0.2), comprehensiveness (P > 0.5), readability (P > 0.1), understandability (P > 0.3), or actionability (P > 0.2) by authorship. Conclusions There is wide variability in the quality of cosmetic botulinum toxin POEMs regardless of authorship type. The majority of materials are written above the recommended reading level and fail to include important content points. It is critical that providers take an active role in the evaluation and endorsement of online patient education materials.

scholarly journals Assessment of Online Patient Education Materials Designed for People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer K Fortuna ◽  
Anne Riddering ◽  
Linda Shuster ◽  
Cassie Lopez-Jeng
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Readability Level

Abstract Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that leads to permanent vision loss in the central visual field. AMD makes reading challenging and inefficient. People with AMD often find it difficult to access, process and understand written patient education materials (PEMs). To promote health literacy, the demands of written PEMs must match the literacy capacities of the target audience. This study aims to evaluate the readability (grade level) and suitability (appropriateness) of online PEMs designed for people with AMD. Methods: Online PEMs were sourced from websites of national organizations providing patient education materials designed for people with AMD. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument were used to assess the readability and suitability of PEMs. Descriptive statistics were used to compare online PEMs by organization based on national guidelines for readability level (≤ sixth grade) and the recommended suitability score (≥ 70%) for “superior” material.Results: One hundred online PEMs were evaluated from websites of 16 professional organizations. The mean readability level was 9.3 (range 5.0-16.6). The mean suitability score was 53% (range 18%-78%). Only six (6%) of PEMs achieved the recommended guidelines for readability level and suitability score.Conclusion: The majority of online PEMs designed for people with AMD were written above the recommended readability level, and below the suggested suitability score. To promote health literacy, the demands of written health information must match the reading capacities of the target audience. Heeding to evidence-based guidelines for providing written information to patients with low health literacy and low vision is beneficial for both patients and health care providers. Future research is warranted.

Depression in cancer: An evaluation of patient education resources.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24194-e24194
Author(s):  
Jim (Zhang Hao) Li ◽  
Mingyang Wang ◽  
Paris-Ann Ingledew
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Patient Comprehension

e24194 Background: In recent years, there has been increasing awareness surrounding mental health and depression among cancer patients. Concurrently, the internet has cemented its role as a mainstay source of health information for the general public. However, little is known about the quality of online resources addressing depression specifically in cancer patients. Therefore, we aim to systematically evaluate the quality of such information. Methods: The term "depression in cancer patients" was searched online using the search engine Google and the meta-search engines Dogpile and Yippy. A set of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria was applied to all search results, which yielded 48 websites for inclusion. An evidence-based rating tool was then used to score the websites based on the six domains of Affiliation, Accountability, Interactivity, Structure & Organization, Readability, and Content Quality. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 48 websites evaluated, 50% were commercial. In terms of accountability measures, 63% of websites disclosed authorship, 54% cited one or more reliable sources, and 38% were updated within the last two years. Although in-site search engines and video support were found in 94% and 52% of websites respectively, the presence of other interactive features were considerably lower. The average readability was at a grade 12.3 level using the Flesch-Kincaid scale and 11.3 using the SMOG Index, both of which were significantly higher than the traditionally recommended grade-six level ( p < 0.0001 for both). The most commonly covered topics were symptoms and treatment – found on 87% and 83% of websites respectively. Prevention and prognosis were not covered by any of the websites. Content accuracy was generally high among covered topics. Conclusions: Many websites addressing depression in cancer have poor authorship disclosure, attribution, and currency. Additional interactive features should be encouraged to facilitate user-friendliness. Poor readability may pose a barrier for patient comprehension, indicating a need for health care providers to proactively guide patients to suitable resources. Despite high content accuracy in other topics, prevention and prognosis are seldom covered. Our results could help guide the development of new patient education materials and better inform health care providers about the limitations of available online resources. Future research should aim to elucidate reasons contributing to difficult readability levels and identify topics that patients need additional information in.

An Evaluation Of The Quality Of Patient-Oriented Online Resources For Hemodialysis Access (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Davies
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Vascular Surgery ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Hemodialysis Access ◽  
Patient Resources ◽  
Meta Search ◽  
Grade Reading Level

BACKGROUND Patients and families increasingly turn to the internet for information and resources regarding their medical conditions. These searches are conducted in an independent and unsupervised manner, often without guidance from providers. Multiple reports in the medical oncology literature have cast significant doubt on the accuracy and currency of the data found on patient-focused websites OBJECTIVE To critically appraise the quality of patient-focused online resources concerning hemodialysis access procedures. METHODS A recently validated search strategy using the meta-search engines Google, Dogpile, and Yippy with the query “hemodialysis access” was performed on a cleared-cache web browser during January 2020. Inclusion criteria for the study were websites intended for patient education in English. Exclusions criteria consisted of online monographs, academic journals, and sites requiring paid subscription. Three independent reviewers evaluated the websites using a validated, structured rating tool that scored the Affiliation, Accountability, Interactivity, Structure and Organization, Readability, and Content of the websites. Inter-rater reliability was quantified by calculated kappa coefficients for each element of the instrument. RESULTS Out of more than 27 million collective search results using the three meta-search engines, the first 269 hits were considered for analysis. Only 63 unique patient-oriented sites were acceptable for analysis. 46% were sponsored by commercial entities. Accountability and interactivity were weak across sites. Readability as determined by Flesch-Kincaid and SMOG indices ranged from 6th grade to post-graduate level. 19% were written at a college reading level or higher, however these sites had content quality comparable to those utilizing more elementary prose. 85% of non-commercial domain sites were free of inaccuracies compared to 59% of commercial sites (P=.02). Non-commercial domain sites trended toward more comprehensive content as well as superior readability (average 10th grade reading level compared to average 11th grade reading level, P=.08). The average composite score of all the websites was 2.8 out of a maximum possible weighted score of 7.8, indicating poor global quality of websites. Kappa coefficients were 0.7 or greater for a random sample of 10 websites. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report on the quality of online patient resources in vascular surgery. The study demonstrates that online patient education resources regarding hemodialysis access are poor and require input from the vascular surgery community. Providers need to be aware and understand this issue and seek to inform and mitigate misinformation and potential misguidance. The vascular surgery community should invest in more readable and comprehensive web resources. CLINICALTRIAL n.a

scholarly journals P-BN24 Quality assessment of online patient information on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using the Modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian Miller ◽  
Siobhan Chien ◽  
Ivory Huang ◽  
Danielle Cunningham ◽  
Daniel Carson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Patient Information ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ◽  
Quality Information ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Google Search ◽  
Upper Gastrointestinal

Abstract Background Online resources are rapidly becoming patients’ primary source of healthcare information due to the Internet’s ease of access. The availability of high-quality online information is paramount to improving patient education and clinical outcomes. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is the gold standard investigation for UGI symptoms, yet little is known regarding the quality of patient oriented websites. This study aims to analyse the quality of online patient information on UGI endoscopy using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool. Methods A systematic review was conducted using 10 search terms. The top 100 websites for each term identified using Google search were assessed using the modified EQIP tool (score 0-36). Sub-analysis was performed on high-scoring websites. Websites for medical professional use or containing video and marketing content were excluded. Results 378 websites were eligible for analysis. The median modified EQIP score for UGI endoscopy was 18/36 (IQR 14-21). Median EQIP scores for the content, identification and structure domains were 8/18, 1/6 and 9/12, respectively. Websites produced by government health departments and NHS hospitals had a higher modified EQIP score (p = 0.007). Complication rates were included in only 20.4% of websites. High-scoring websites were significantly more likely to provide balanced information on risks and benefits (94.6% vs. 34.4%; p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions The current quality of online patient information on UGI endoscopy is limited, with minimal information available on risks of the procedure, potentially hindering patients’ ability to make informed healthcare decisions. There is an immediate need for high-quality online resources to improve patient education.

EP.TH.375Inguinal hernia repair: A systematic analysis of online patient information using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients tool

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhan Chien ◽  
Danielle Cunningham ◽  
Khurram Khan
Keyword(s):  
Inguinal Hernia ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Hernia Repair ◽  
Inguinal Hernia Repair ◽  
Patient Information ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Quality Information ◽  
Complication Rates

Abstract Aims Online resources are a fundamental source of healthcare information due to the increasing popularity of the Internet, therefore ensuring accuracy and reliability of websites is crucial to improving patient education and enhancing patient outcomes. Inguinal hernia repair is the most commonly performed general surgical procedure worldwide. This study aims to analyse the quality of online patient information on inguinal hernia repair using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patents (EQIP) tool. Method A systematic review of online information on inguinal hernia repair was conducted using 4 search terms: “inguinal hernia”, “groin hernia”, “inguinal hernia repair” and “inguinoscrotal hernia”. The top 100 websites for each term identified using Google were assessed using the modified EQIP tool (score 0-36). Websites for the paediatric population or intended for medical professional use were excluded from analysis. Results 142 websites were eligible for analysis. 52.8% of websites originated from the UK. The median EQIP score for all websites was 17/36 (IQR 14-21). The median EQIP scores for Content, Identification and Structure were 8/18, 2/8, and 8/12, respectively. Complications of inguinal hernia repair were included in 46.5% of websites, with 9.2% providing complication rates and 14.1% providing information on how complications are handled. Conclusions This study highlights that the current quality of online patient information on inguinal hernia repair is poor, with minimal information available on complications, hindering patients’ ability to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. To improve patient education, there is an immediate need for improved quality online resources to meet international standards.

Search Trends and Quality of Online Resources Regarding Thyroidectomy

2020 ◽  
pp. 019459982096915
Author(s):  
Lena W. Chen ◽  
Vandra Chatrice Harris ◽  
Justin Lee Jia ◽  
Deborah Xingchun Xie ◽  
Ralph Patrick Tufano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Google Search

Objective Thyroidectomy is one of the most common procedures performed in head and neck surgery. The quality of online resources for thyroidectomy is unknown. We aim to evaluate search trends and online resource quality regarding thyroidectomy. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting Websites appearing on Google search. Methods The first 30 Google websites for thyroidectomy were reviewed, excluding research, video, and restricted sites. Search patterns were obtained with Google Trends. Quality was measured by readability (Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kinkaid Grade Level), understandability and actionability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool), and clinical practice guideline (CPG) compatibility. Fleiss kappa interrater reliability analysis was performed for 2 raters. Results Twenty-one sites were evaluated. Search popularity for thyroidectomy has increased since 2004. Median reading ease was 42.2 (range, 15.4-62.7) on a scale from 1 to 100, with 100 indicating maximum readability. Median reading grade level was 12 (range, 7-16). Thyroidectomy resources were poorly understandable (median, 66%; range, 21%-88%) and actionable (median, 10%; range, 0%-60%). Median CPG compatibility was 4 out of 5 (range, 0-5). Interrater reliability ranged from substantial to moderate for understandability (0.78), actionability (0.57), and CPG compatibility (0.58), with P < .05 for all results. Conclusion Online resources about thyroidectomy vary in quality and reliability and are written at grade levels above the average reading level of the public. Providers should be aware of existing resources and work to create education resources that meet universal health literacy guidelines. The framework provided in this article may also serve as a guide and provide tangible steps that providers can take to help patients access care.

scholarly journals Assessment of online patient education materials designed for people with age-related macular degeneration

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Fortuna ◽  
Anne Riddering ◽  
Linda Shuster ◽  
Cassie Lopez-Jeng
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Readability Level

Abstract Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that leads to permanent vision loss in the central visual field. AMD makes reading challenging and inefficient. People with AMD often find it difficult to access, process and understand written patient education materials (PEMs). To promote health literacy, the demands of written PEMs must match the literacy capacities of the target audience. This study aims to evaluate the readability (grade level) and suitability (appropriateness) of online PEMs designed for people with AMD. Methods Online PEMs were sourced from websites of national organizations providing patient education materials designed for people with AMD. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument were used to assess the readability and suitability of PEMs. Descriptive statistics were used to compare online PEMs by organization based on national guidelines for readability level (≤ sixth grade) and the recommended suitability score (≥ 70%) for “superior” material. Results One hundred online PEMs were evaluated from websites of 16 professional organizations. The mean readability level was 9.3 (range 5.0–16.6). The mean suitability score was 53% (range 18–78%). Only six (6%) of PEMs achieved the recommended guidelines for readability level and suitability score. Conclusion The majority of online PEMs designed for people with AMD were written above the recommended readability level, and below the suggested suitability score. To promote health literacy, the demands of written health information must match the reading capacities of the target audience. Heeding to evidence-based guidelines for providing written information to patients with low health literacy and low vision is beneficial for both patients and health care providers. Future research is warranted.

P021 READABILITY AND QUALITY OF ONLINE RESOURCES ON NUTRITION AS IT RELATES TO IBD

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S55-S55
Author(s):  
Ali Khan ◽  
Scott Baumgartner ◽  
Vinay Rao ◽  
Marie Borum
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Shared Decision Making ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Academic Websites

Abstract Background Nutrition plays an essential role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Optimizing nutritional status can help prevent malnutrition, osteoporosis, and may be an effective primary therapy for many patients. Patients with IBD are increasingly turning to the Internet for information. This study evaluated the readability and quality of online resources discussing nutrition for IBD. Methods Google search engine was used to query “nutrition and inflammatory bowel disease” to access the first 100 websites. Websites that were non-accessible, duplicates, videos without transcripts or evaluated animal models were excluded. Websites were categorized as informational or academic/professional. Readability was determined using the validated Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Calculation. The quality of the information was determined using the validated DISCERN score. Websites were reviewed for inclusion of a discussion of shared decision making between patients and physicians. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-tailed Fisher’s Exact Test and a two-sample T-test with a significance value set at p &lt;0.05. Results 89 of 100 websites met the inclusion criteria. 50 (56.2%) websites were informational and 39 (43.8%) were academic. The average Flesch-Kincaid Grade level was 13.2, with no significant difference between informational and academic websites (13.1 and 13.4 grade levels, respectively; p=0.760). The average DISCERN score was “good” without significant difference between informational and academic websites (45.75 and 45.74, respectively; p=0.994). Academic websites had significantly more “excellent” DISCERN scores than informational websites (76% and 24%, respectively; p = 0.0054). There were no significant difference in “good” or “poor” DISCERN scores between academic and informational websites (p=0.527 and p=0.095, respectively) (Figure 1). Shared decision making between patient and physician was discussed among 33.7% of all sources, significantly more often among informational than academic sources (60% and 0%, respectively; p=0.0001). Discussion Patients often self-manage their symptoms using easily accessible online resources. While our study demonstrated near identical DISCERN scores between academic and informational websites, the average Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level exceeded the NIH recommended 6th grade reading level. Informational websites, however, were more likely to encourage shared decision making between physician and patient. It may be important for academic online resources to specifically emphasize communication that encourages shared decision making between IBD patients and physicians. As the use of online resources continues to increase, further efforts should focus on developing informational resources written at a grade level which is applicable to the general public.

scholarly journals Assessment of Online Patient Education Materials Designed for People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer K Fortuna ◽  
Anne Riddering ◽  
Linda Shuster ◽  
Cassie Lopez-Jeng
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Readability Level

Abstract Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that leads to permanent vision loss in the central visual field. AMD makes reading challenging and inefficient. People with AMD often find it difficult to access, process and understand written patient education materials (PEMs). To promote health literacy, the demands of written PEMs must match the literacy capacities of the target audience. This study aims to evaluate the readability (grade level) and suitability (appropriateness) of online PEMs designed for people with AMD. Methods: Online PEMs were sourced from websites of national organizations providing patient education materials designed for people with AMD. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument were used to assess the readability and suitability of PEMs. Descriptive statistics were used to compare online PEMs by organization based on national guidelines for readability level (≤ sixth grade) and the recommended suitability score (≥ 70%) for “superior” material.Results: One hundred online PEMs were evaluated from websites of 16 professional organizations. The mean readability level was 9.3 (range 5.0-16.6). The mean suitability score was 53% (range 18%-78%). Only six (6%) of PEMs achieved the recommended guidelines for readability level and suitability score.Conclusion: The majority of online PEMs designed for people with AMD were written above the recommended readability level, and below the suggested suitability score. To promote health literacy, the demands of written health information must match the reading capacities of the target audience. Heeding to evidence-based guidelines for providing written information to patients with low health literacy and low vision is beneficial for both patients and health care providers. Future research is warranted.

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