bims-librar Biomed News
on Biomedical librarianship
Issue of 2024‒02‒25
24 papers selected by
Thomas Krichel, Open Library Society
  1. Practical Tips for using a Human Library approach In medical education.
  2. Harnessing Reliable Evidence in the Post-COVID Era: A Practice Guide to Navigating the Ocean of Medical Literature.
  3. Both Patients and Plastic Surgeons prefer AI-Generated Microsurgical Information.
  4. Accuracy and readability of kidney stone patient information materials generated by a large language model compared to official urologic organizations.
  5. A standardised method for improving patient education material readability for orthopaedic trauma patients.
  6. Clear as Mud: Readability Scores in Cloacal Exstrophy Literature and Its Treatment.
  7. Readability of cerebrovascular diseases online educational material from major cerebrovascular organizations.
  8. Web-Based Information on Spinal Cord Stimulation: Qualitative Assessment of Publicly Accessible Online Resources.
  9. Quality assessment of online patient information on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients tool.
  10. Online Resources for Robin Sequence; an Analysis of Readability.
  11. A content analysis of the interventions for low back pain promoted on the websites of Australian pain clinics.
  12. A content analysis of YouTube videos on palliative care: understanding the quality and availability of online resources.
  13. The usefulness and reliability of English-language YouTube videos as a source of knowledge for patients with familial Mediterranean fever.
  14. The emergence of MedTok: a qualitative analysis of popular medical TikTok videos.
  15. Is the Electroconvulsive Therapy Video on YouTube Supportive Information for Patients and Their Primary Caregivers?
  16. A Cross-Sectional Assessment of YouTube as a Source of Information on Diet and Supplements for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
  17. Suprapubic catheter change: Evaluating YouTube videos as a resource for teaching junior doctors.
  18. Critical appraisal of YouTube videos regarding peri-implant diseases and conditions: A cross-sectional analysis.
  19. Evaluation of the origin and educational quality of youtube videos on adrenaline auto-ınjectors.
  20. Assessing the Readability of Clinical Trial Consent Forms for Surgical Specialties.
  21. Women with ovarian cancer's information seeking and avoidance behaviors: an interview study.
  22. Parental practices and perspectives on health and digital technology use information seeking for children aged 0-36 months.
  23. Online health information-seeking behaviours for low back pain in the United Kingdom: analysis of data from Google trends and the Global Burden of Disease Study, 2004-2019.
  24. Online health information searching and health literacy among middle-aged and older adults: A cross-sectional study.
  1. MedEdPublish (2016). 2023 ;13 208
    Practical Tips for using a Human Library approach In medical education.
    Rebecca Malhi, Grace Perez, Javeria Shafiq, Aaron Johnston.
      A Human Library is a structured event that brings people from different groups together. It simulates the format of a customary library, with 'Readers' borrowing 'Books', who are human volunteers sharing their lived experiences and perspectives. Rooted in principles of social psychology, Human Libraries provide opportunities for Books and Readers to interact in meaningful dialogue. The goal of each interaction is to give the Reader new understanding of the Book's life. The Human Library was originally developed as a strategy to challenge prejudice through conversation and personal connection, but the approach is remarkably versatile. We repurposed it for a medical education context in order to provide learners in medical school with information and inspiration, particularly about rural life and rural medicine. We organized and held two Human Library events where pre-medical and undergraduate medical students (Readers) engaged in dialogue with rural physicians (Books). However, the strategy could be used to address a wide variety of challenging subjects where the potential Readers are biased or lack experience. This article draws upon research literature and our own experiences of running Human Library events to give practical advice for other organizations who might want to use this novel approach in medical education.
    Keywords:  Human Library; attitudinal change; prejudice reduction; recruitment; rural medicine; undergraduate medical education
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.12688/mep.19746.1
  2. Cureus. 2024 Jan;16(1): e52746
    Harnessing Reliable Evidence in the Post-COVID Era: A Practice Guide to Navigating the Ocean of Medical Literature.
    CheowPeng Ooi, Sivalingam Nalliah.
      The reliability and relevance of medical literature are significant concerns in the post-COVID-19 era, where misinformation and disinformation are serious threats. This practice guide provides an overview of practical strategies to appraise the reliability of research publications critically. These strategies include critically appraising the effectiveness and constraints of various approaches to disseminating medical information, choosing appropriate medical literature resources, navigating library databases, screening the literature from the search, and screening individual publications. We also discuss the importance of considering study limitations and the relevance of the results in research or use in the medical arena. In-depth, critical appraisal of medical or clinical research evidence requires expertise, insight into research methodologies, and a grasp of issues in each field. By harnessing the wealth of reliable and relevant information available in medical literature through the above steps, we can alleviate potentially misleading information and stay at the forefront of our respective fields.
    Keywords:  critical appraisal; disinformation; evidence; integrity; medical literature; misinformation; patient safety and quality improvement; professional and research ethics; reliability; research methodology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52746
  3. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2024 Feb 21.
    Both Patients and Plastic Surgeons prefer AI-Generated Microsurgical Information.
    Charlotte Berry, Alex Z Fazilat, Christopher V Lavin, Hendrik Lintel, Naomi A Cole, Cybil S Stingl, Caleb Valencia, Annah G Morgan, Arash Momeni, Derrick C Wan.
      BACKGROUND: With the growing relevance of AI-based patient-facing information, microsurgical-specific online information provided by professional organizations was compared to that of ChatGPT and assessed for accuracy, comprehensiveness, clarity, and readability.METHODS: Six plastic and reconstructive surgeons blindly assessed responses to ten microsurgery-related medical questions written either by American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) or ChatGPT based on accuracy, comprehensiveness, and clarity. Surgeons were asked to choose which source provided the overall highest quality microsurgical patient-facing information. Additionally, 30 individuals with no medical background (ages 18-81, μ=49.8) were asked to determine a preference when blindly comparing materials. Readability scores were calculated, and all numerical scores were analyzed using the following six reliability formulas: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch-Kincaid Readability Ease, Gunning Fog Index, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index, Coleman-Liau Index, Linsear Write Formula (LWF), and Automated Readability Index. Statistical analysis of microsurgical-specific online sources was conducted utilizing paired t-tests.
    RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in comprehensiveness and clarity were seen in favor of ChatGPT. Surgeons, 70.7% of the time, blindly choose ChatGPT as the source that overall provided the highest quality microsurgical patient-facing information. Non-medical individuals 55.9% of the time selected AI-generated microsurgical materials as well. Neither ChatGPT nor ASRM-generated materials were found to contain inaccuracies. Readability scores for both ChatGPT and ASRM materials were found to exceed recommended levels for patient proficiency across six readability formulas, with AI-based material scored as more complex.
    CONCLUSION: AI-generated patient-facing materials were preferred by surgeons in terms of comprehensiveness and clarity when blindly compared to online material provided by ASRM. Studied AI-generated material was not found to contain inaccuracies. Additionally, surgeons and non-medical individuals consistently indicated an overall preference for AI-generated material. A readability analysis suggested that both materials sourced from ChatGPT and ASRM surpassed recommended reading levels across six readability scores.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2273-4163
  4. Urology. 2024 Feb 21. pii: S0090-4295(24)00099-2. [Epub ahead of print]
    Accuracy and readability of kidney stone patient information materials generated by a large language model compared to official urologic organizations.
    Abdulghafour Halawani, Alec Mitchell, Mohammadali Saffarzadeh, Victor Wong, Ben H Chew, Connor M Forbes.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare the readability and accuracy of large language model generated patient information materials (PIMs) to those supplied by the American Urological Association (AUA), Canadian Urological Association (CUA), and European Association of Urology (EAU) for kidney stones.METHODS: PIMs from AUA, CUA, and EAU related to nephrolithiasis were obtained and categorized. The most frequent patient questions related to kidney stones were identified from an internet query and input into GPT-3.5 and GPT-4. PIMs and ChatGPT outputs were assessed for accuracy and readability using previously published indexes. We also assessed changes in ChatGPT outputs when a reading level was specified (grade 6).
    RESULTS: Readability scores were better for PIMs from the CUA (Grade level 10 - 12), AUA (8 - 10), or EAU (9 -11) compared to the chatbot. GPT-3.5 had the worst readability scores at Grade 13-14 and GPT-4 was likewise less readable than urologic organization PIMs with scores of 11-13. While organizational PIMs were deemed to be accurate, the chatbot had high accuracy with minor details omitted. GPT-4 was more accurate in general stone information, dietary and medical management of kidney stones topics in comparison to GPT-3.5, while both models had the same accuracy in the surgical management of nephrolithiasis topics.
    CONCLUSIONS: Current PIMs from major urologic organizations for kidney stones remain more readable than publicly available GPT outputs, but they are still higher than the reading ability of the general population. Of the available PIMs for kidney stones, those from the AUA are the most readable. Although Chatbot outputs for common kidney stone patient queries have a high degree of accuracy with minor omitted details, it is important for clinicians to understand their strengths and limitations.
    Keywords:  Artificial Intelligence; Health literacy; Kidney Stones; Language learning models; Patient Information Materials; Stone prevention
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2023.11.042
  5. Musculoskeletal Care. 2024 Mar;22(1): e1869
    A standardised method for improving patient education material readability for orthopaedic trauma patients.
    Samuel Marshall, Stefan J Hanish, John Baumann, Andrew Groneck, Steven DeFroda.
      PURPOSE: While the National Institutes of Health and American Medical Association recommend patient education materials (PEMs) should be written at the sixth-grade reading level or below, many patient education materials related to traumatic orthopaedic injuries do not meet these recommendations. The purpose of this study is to create a standardised method for enhancing the readability of trauma-related orthopaedic PEMs by reducing the use of ≥ three syllable words and reducing the use of sentences >15 words in length. We hypothesise that applying this standardized method will significantly improve the objective readability of orthopaedic trauma PEMs.METHODS: A patient education website was queried for PEMs relevant to traumatic orthopaedic injuries. Orthopaedic trauma PEMs included (N = 40) were unique, written in a prose format, and <3500 words. PEM statistics, including scores for seven independent readability formulae, were determined for each PEM before and after applying this standard method.
    RESULTS: All PEMs had significantly different readability scores when comparing original and edited PEMs (p < 0.01). The mean Flesch Kincaid Grade Level of the original PEMs (10.0 ± 1.0) was significantly higher than that of edited PEMs (5.8 ± 1.1) (p < 0.01). None of the original PEMs met recommendations of a sixth-grade reading level compared with 31 (77.5%) of edited PEMs.
    CONCLUSIONS: This standard method that reduces the use of ≥ three syllable words and <15 word sentences has been shown to significantly reduce the reading-grade level of PEMs for traumatic orthopaedic injuries. Improving the readability of PEMs may lead to enhanced health literacy and improved health outcomes.
    Keywords:  health literacy; orthopaedics; patient education materials; readability; trauma
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1869
  6. Res Rep Urol. 2024 ;16 39-44
    Clear as Mud: Readability Scores in Cloacal Exstrophy Literature and Its Treatment.
    Ahmad Haffar, Alexander Hirsch, Christian Morrill, Adelaide Garcia, Zachary Werner, John P Gearhart, Chad Crigger.
      Purpose: This study examines the readability of online medical information regarding cloacal exstrophy (CE). We hypothesize that inappropriate levels of comprehension are required in these resources, leading to poor understanding and confusion amongst caregivers.Methods: The Google and Bing search engines were used to search the terms "cloacal exstrophy" and "cloacal exstrophy treatment". The first 100 results for each were collected. Each webpage was analyzed for readability using four independent validated scoring systems: the Gunning-Fog index (GFI), SMOG grade (Simple Measure of Gobbledygook), Dale-Chall index (DCI), and the Flesch-Kincaid grade (FKG).
    Results: Forty-seven unique webpages fit the inclusion criteria. Mean readability scores across all websites were GFI, 14.6; SMOG score, 10.8; DCI, 9.3; and FKG, 11.8, correlating to adjusted grade levels of college sophomore, 11th grade, college, and 11th grade, respectively. There were significant differences across all readability formulas. Non-profit websites were significantly less readable than institutional and commercial webpages (GFI p = 0.012, SMOG p = 0.018, DCI p = 0.021, FKG p = 0.0093).
    Conclusion: Caregiver-directed health information regarding CE and its treatment available online is written at the 11th grade reading level or above. Online resources pertaining to CE must be simplified to be effective.
    Keywords:  cloacal exstrophy; exstrophy treatment; online health information; readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S430744
  7. J Neurointerv Surg. 2024 Feb 23. pii: jnis-2023-021205. [Epub ahead of print]
    Readability of cerebrovascular diseases online educational material from major cerebrovascular organizations.
    Avi A Gajjar, Shray Patel, Shrey V Patel, Aditya Goyal, Georgios S Sioutas, Katherine L Gamel, Mohamed M Salem, Visish M Srinivasan, Brian T Jankowitz, Jan Karl Burkhardt.
      INTRODUCTION: The internet is an essential resource for patients and their loved ones to understand their medical conditions, and professional medical organizations have taken great strides to develop educational material targeting patients. The average American reads at a seventh to eighth grade reading level, hence it is important to understand the readability of this medical information to ensure patients comprehend what is being presented.METHODS: In January 2023, online patient education material was downloaded from major cerebrovascular healthcare organizations and assessed using eight assessments, including Bormuth Cloze Mean, Bormuth Grade Placement, Coleman-Liau (grade levels), Coleman-Liau (predictive cloze scores), Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), and Fry.
    RESULTS: A total of 32 files were extracted from six organizations and analyzed across 15 readability measures. None of the organizations met the federal government guidelines for grade-level readability. This held constant across all measured tests. Two organizations had above a postgraduate level. The FRE graphs do not identify any organizations with material below a ninth grade reading level, while the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) have a postgraduate readability level. The Fry graphs show similar results, with AANS/CNS Cerebrovascular Section, Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), SIR, and AANS having college-level readability. The lowest readability across all measures is only at an early seventh grade reading level.
    CONCLUSIONS: Current health literacy content for cerebrovascular patients is far above the recommended readability level. We provide straightforward suggestions for how major professional organizations should improve their informational material on cerebrovascular diseases to improve patient understanding.
    Keywords:  Aneurysm; Brain; Political; Stroke
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1136/jnis-2023-021205
  8. JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2024 Feb 23. 10 e50031
    Web-Based Information on Spinal Cord Stimulation: Qualitative Assessment of Publicly Accessible Online Resources.
    Tiev Miller, Ali Hosseinzadeh, Thomas Thordarson, Tamila Kalimullina, Soshi Samejima, Claire Shackleton, Raza Malik, Martín Calderón-Juárez, Rahul Sachdeva, Andrei Krassioukov.
      BACKGROUND: Despite the growing accessibility of web-based information related to spinal cord stimulation (SCS), the content and quality of commonly encountered websites remain unknown.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the content and quality of web-based information on SCS.
    METHODS: This qualitative study was prospectively registered in Open Science Framework. Google Trends was used to identify the top trending, SCS-related search queries from 2012 to 2022. Top queried terms were then entered into separate search engines. Information found on websites within the first 2 pages of results was extracted and assessed for quality using the DISCERN instrument, the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, and the Health on the Net Foundation code of conduct certification. Website readability and SCS-related information were also assessed.
    RESULTS: After exclusions, 42 unique sites were identified (scientific resources: n=6, nonprofit: n=12, for-profit: n=20, news or media: n=2, and personal or blog: n=2). Overall, information quality was moderate (DISCERN). Few sites met all the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria (n=3, 7%) or had Health on the Net Foundation certification (n=7, 16%). On average, information was difficult to read, requiring a 9th- to 10th-grade level of reading comprehension. Sites described SCS subcategories (n=14, 33%), indications (n=38, 90%), contraindications (n=14, 33%), side effects or risks (n=28, 66%), device considerations (n=25, 59%), follow-up (n=22, 52%), expected outcomes (n=31, 73%), provided authorship details (n=20, 47%), and publication dates (n=19, 45%). The proportion of for-profit sites reporting authorship information was comparatively less than other site types (n=3, 15%). Almost all sites focused on surgically implanted SCS (n=37, 88%). On average, nonprofit sites contained the greatest number of peer-reviewed reference citations (n=6, 50%). For-profit sites showed the highest proportion of physician or clinical referrals among site types (n=17, 85%) indicating implicit bias (ie, auto-referral).
    CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings suggest the public may be exposed to incomplete or dated information from unidentifiable sources that could put consumers and patient groups at risk.
    Keywords:  Google Trends; access to information; communication; consumer health information; internet; misinformation; quality; readability; spinal cord stimulation; synthesis; web-based information
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2196/50031
  9. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2024 Feb 20.
    Quality assessment of online patient information on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients tool.
    S Chien, Ghl Miller, I Huang, D A Cunningham, D Carson, L S Gall, K S Khan.
      INTRODUCTION: Websites and online resources are increasingly becoming patients' main source of healthcare information. It is paramount that high quality information is available online to enhance patient education and improve clinical outcomes. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is the gold standard investigation for UGI symptoms and yet little is known regarding the quality of patient orientated websites. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of online patient information on UGI endoscopy using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool.METHODS: Ten search terms were employed to conduct a systematic review. for each term, the top 100 websites identified via a Google search were assessed using the modified EQIP tool. High scoring websites underwent further analysis. Websites intended for professional use by clinicians as well as those containing video or marketing content were excluded.
    FINDINGS: A total of 378 websites were eligible for analysis. The median modified EQIP score for UGI endoscopy was 18/36 (interquartile range: 14-21). The median EQIP scores for the content, identification and structure domains were 8/18, 1/6 and 9/12 respectively. Higher modified EQIP scores were obtained for websites produced by government departments and National Health Service hospitals (p=0.007). Complication rates were documented in only a fifth (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<0.001).
    CONCLUSIONS: There is an immediate need to improve the quality of online patient information regarding UGI endoscopy. The currently available resources provide minimal information on the risks associated with the procedure, potentially hindering patients' ability to make informed healthcare decisions.
    Keywords:  Endoscopy; Modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients tool; Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy; Patient information; Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1308/rcsann.2022.0078
  10. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2024 Feb 19. 10556656241234587
    Online Resources for Robin Sequence; an Analysis of Readability.
    R Browne, C M Hurley, S Carr, C de Blacam.
      The objective was to evaluate the readability of easily accessible parent-directed information concerning Robin Sequence (RS) online, compared to the American Medical Association (AMA)-recommended sixth grade (age 11-12) readability level.A Google search of the term "Pierre Robin Sequence information" was performed. The first ten websites were evaluated using six commonly used readability formulas. Sample texts from three websites were 'translated' by the authors, with the aim of achieving a sixth grade readability level.
    The following outcomes were used: Automated Readability Index (ARI), Coleman Liau Index (CLI), Gunning Fog Score, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score.
    The mean pooled grade level of the top 10 included websites was 12.1 (age 17-18). The overall FRE Index was 45.8, which is equivalent to a College-grade reading level. The mean grade level by each test used was: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 11.6 (age 16-17), Gunning Fog Score 13.3 (age 18+), SMOG 10.0 (age 14-15), Coleman-Liau Index 13.8 (age 18+), and ARI 12.0 (age 17-18). The author-translated resources achieved pooled mean grade levels of 6.3-6.5.
    Parent-directed online materials concerning RS have a readability in excess of the AMA-recommended sixth grade reading level. Even though the condition is complex, more readable resources are achievable. Coproduction of parent-directed resources in association with public an patient involvement (PPI) contributors is encouraged.
    Keywords:  Robin sequence; cleft palate; evidence-based practice; parental perception; social support; team care
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/10556656241234587
  11. Aust J Prim Health. 2024 Feb 20.
    A content analysis of the interventions for low back pain promoted on the websites of Australian pain clinics.
    Chris G Maher, Christopher S Han, Stephen E Gilbert, Michael K Nicholas.
      BACKGROUND: The Internet is a widely used source of health information, yet the accuracy of online information can be low. This is the case for low back pain (LBP), where much of the information about LBP treatment is poor.METHODS: This research conducted a content analysis to explore what pain treatments for LBP are presented to the public on websites of Australian pain clinics listed in the PainAustralia National Pain Services Directory. Websites providing information relevant to the treatment of LBP were included. Details of the treatments for LBP offered by each pain service were extracted.
    RESULTS: In total, 173 pain services were included, with these services linking to 100 unique websites. Services were predominantly under private ownership and located in urban areas, with limited services in non-urban locations. Websites provided detail on a median of six (IQR 3-8) treatments, with detail on a higher number of treatments provided by services in the private sector. Physical, psychological and educational treatments were offered by the majority of pain services, whereas surgical and workplace-focused treatments were offered by relatively few services. Most services provided details on multidisciplinary care; however, interdisciplinary, coordinated care characterised by case-conferencing was infrequently mentioned.
    CONCLUSIONS: Most websites provided details on treatments that were largely in-line with recommended care for LBP, but some were not, especially in private clinics. However, whether the information provided online is a true reflection of the services offered in clinics remains to be investigated.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1071/PY23164
  12. Palliat Care Soc Pract. 2024 ;18 26323524241231819
    A content analysis of YouTube videos on palliative care: understanding the quality and availability of online resources.
    Fhaied Almobarak.
      Background: Improvement in quality care is an important aspect of palliative care for individuals with serious illnesses. Palliative care is a multidisciplinary strategy that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. As technology advances, digital media - especially YouTube - has come to serve as a virtual educational platform, offering resources for health-related information, including information about palliative care.Objectives: In this research, the main goal was to evaluate the quality and availability of online resources related to palliative care.
    Design: Two theoretical frameworks were used: the Health Communication Model and the Information Quality Framework. These frameworks offer a way to understand how YouTube videos contribute to palliative care information and assess the quality of that information.
    Methods: This study utilizes a quantitative analysis approach to assess the quality and accessibility of YouTube videos on palliative care. Specifically, a random sample of 300 YouTube videos addressing palliative care was examined. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including the frequency and distribution of the different types of content, sources, and quality indicators. Chi-square tests were done to compare the quality of information provided by different sources and types of content.
    Results: The results showed a variety of video types, with educational videos being the most common (40%), followed by personal stories (26.7%) and promotional videos (16.7%). We found that healthcare organizations (30%) and individual content creators (46.7%) were the sources for these videos.
    Conclusion: There were varying scores in terms of accuracy, completeness, and relevance when it came to quality assessment. While many videos received excellent ratings, some received poor ratings. Additionally, this analysis revealed that the majority of these videos were in English (83.3%), which poses a limitation for non-English speakers who may have difficulty understanding them.
    Keywords:  YouTube; content analysis; online resources; palliative care; quality indicators
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/26323524241231819
  13. PeerJ. 2024 ;12 e16857
    The usefulness and reliability of English-language YouTube videos as a source of knowledge for patients with familial Mediterranean fever.
    Belkıs Nihan Coşkun, Burcu Yagiz, Esra Giounous Chalil, Ediz Dalkılıç, Yavuz Pehlivan.
      Background/Objectives: YouTube is increasingly being used as an educational tool and is a substantial source of information. This study aimed to assess the quality of the most viewed YouTube videos pertaining to familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).Methods: A search on YouTube was conducted on January 13, 2022, using the keywords: "familial Mediterranean fever treatment," "familial Mediterranean fever colchicine," and "familial Mediterranean fever colchicine opacalcium." Two rheumatologists independently evaluated the relevance and accuracy of the videos. Redundant or irrelevant videos were excluded. The educational value of YouTube videos was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Comparative analyses of video parameters across different cohorts were performed. To assess the reliability and quality of the videos, a modified version of the DISCERN scale and the GQS were employed.
    Results: Out of the 59 videos reviewed, 43 (72.9%) were of high quality, 10 (16.9%) were of medium quality, and 6 (10.2%) were of low quality. Upon comparing parameters among groups, no significant disparities were observed in terms of daily views, daily favorites, daily dislikes, or daily comments (p > 0.05). GQS scores for usefulness and modified DISCERN scores showed significant differences among groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, both GQS and modified DISCERN scores exhibited moderately negative correlations (r =  - .450 and r =  - .474, respectively) and high statistical significance (p < 0.001 for both) with utility assessment.
    Conclusion: YouTube is a valuable repository of high-quality videos for FMF patients. Healthcare providers should guide their patients to high-quality video sources to supplement their educational material.
    Keywords:   Reliability; Colchicine; Familial Mediterranean fever; Source of knowledge; Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever; Usefulness; YouTube
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16857
  14. Postgrad Med J. 2024 Feb 20. pii: qgae021. [Epub ahead of print]
    The emergence of MedTok: a qualitative analysis of popular medical TikTok videos.
    Ross Rosen, Vasilis Vasiloudes, Rahul Mhaskar.
      Social media is increasingly being used by the public as a medium for health information. Unfortunately, misinformation has become widely available on these sites, often being provided using content that is designed to be more popular and engaging, and it is difficult for the public to differentiate between what is true and what is false. TikTok is one of these platforms and has been rapidly growing over the last few years. As an increasing number of people look to TikTok for their health information, it is important that quality information is accessible and popular on the platform. We conducted a review of TikTok videos using the top 10 videos to show when searching for 13 common conditions. Characteristics of both the creator and video were recorded and analyzed. Videos on conditions commonly diagnosed younger were commonly produced by younger creators with the condition, often based on their own experiences. Conversely, videos on conditions commonly diagnosed older were commonly produced by healthcare professionals providing educational information. Though for conditions affecting older individuals healthcare professionals may be able to create didactic, educational videos, for those affecting younger individuals, it may be beneficial to partner with younger creators, or "influencers," to produce more viral content. Further studies may expand on these ideas to encompass more facets of healthcare. As this study did not analyze the quality of the information in the videos, future research should also focus on determining the quality of popular content on TikTok and other social media platforms.
    Keywords:  education and training; medical education & training; medical journalism; public health; qualitative research
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/postmj/qgae021
  15. J ECT. 2024 Feb 12.
    Is the Electroconvulsive Therapy Video on YouTube Supportive Information for Patients and Their Primary Caregivers?
    Mohammad A Abu Sabra, Mahmoud Al Kalaldeh, Mohammad R AlOsta.
      BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a significant contemporary medical treatment modality for various mental disorders that have not responded to other treatments. YouTube is a valuable place to get health-related educational content that can have a big impact on patients' and their primary caregivers' behaviors and decisions.OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyze the content of YouTube videos related to ECT to investigate the quality and reliability of videos as supportive information for patients and their primary caregivers.
    METHODS: A total of 250 videos related to ECT that are available on YouTube were analyzed. The Global Quality Scale and the modified DISCERN tool were used to assess the quality and reliability of the videos. Details of the content of the video, caregiver appearance, methods of information presentation, source of the video, and video parameters were analyzed as well.
    RESULT: The analysis revealed that the median total score of Global Quality Scale was 3 (interquartile range, 2; min-max, 1-5), which means the video quality was medium. The median total score of the modified DISCERN tool was 3 (interquartile range, 1; min-max, 0-5), which means the videos were highly reliable. Most of the video sources in the included videos were educational (41.2%, n = 103) from formal caregivers, and there was no significant difference between Global Quality Scale scores, video parameters, and modified DISCERN scores.
    CONCLUSIONS: YouTube is considered a supportive source of information related to ECT but needs more encouragement from formal caregivers to disseminate high-quality and reliable healthcare content on YouTube platforms to ensure access to accurate information.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/YCT.0000000000000996
  16. Fertil Steril. 2024 Feb 18. pii: S0015-0282(24)00110-9. [Epub ahead of print]
    A Cross-Sectional Assessment of YouTube as a Source of Information on Diet and Supplements for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
    Katherine M Sweterlitsch, Katherine L VanHise, Ndeye Konate, Bryn E Willson, Margareta D Pisarska, Erica T Wang, Jessica L Chan.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.022
  17. BJUI Compass. 2024 Mar;5(2): 224-229
    Suprapubic catheter change: Evaluating YouTube videos as a resource for teaching junior doctors.
    Thomas Milton, Peter Stapleton, Darcy Noll, Shrirajh Satheakeerthy, Joseph Hewitt, Ashani Couchman.
      Objectives: The objectives of this study are to assess the current level of experience and teaching practices for SPC change at our institution and, second, to assess the quality of YouTube videos as an educational tool for teaching SPC change.Methods: A survey was conducted of 40 JMOs at our institution regarding SPC change. The first 20 YouTube videos on SPC change were included for analysis. A JAMA and DISCERN score was calculated for each video. Using linear regression, the association between collected variables and the assigned JAMA and DISCERN scores were determined.
    Results: The survey showed that 18 (45%) of JMOs had done an SPC change. None had received formal teaching. The consensus was that the quality of the YouTube videos was poor. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the score assigned to videos by each scoring system (Pearson's r 0.81, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between video quality as measured by either of the scoring systems and number of views. No association between any video characteristic and JAMA and DISCERN score was found.
    Conclusion: An SPC change is often a requirement of JMOs; however, this skill is not formally taught. The quality of YouTube videos describing an SPC change is poor.
    Keywords:  DISCERN; JAMA; SPC change; YouTube; suprapubic catheter change
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/bco2.299
  18. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2024 Feb 23.
    Critical appraisal of YouTube videos regarding peri-implant diseases and conditions: A cross-sectional analysis.
    Amit Gaikwad, Pranidhipurnima Rachh, Kaustubh Raut, Jyoti Nadgere.
      PURPOSE: To critically appraise the quality and reliability of YouTube videos regarding peri-implant diseases and conditions as a source of information for patients, students, and young clinicians.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In March 2023, electronic searches were performed on YouTube website to identify videos related to peri-implant diseases and conditions. We considered only the relevant 250 English-language videos with durations between 3 and 30 min for final analyses. Following the eligibility criteria videos were evaluated for their demographic data, including number of views; number of likes, dislikes, and comments; days since upload; duration; and number of subscribers. Moreover, two assessors independently evaluated the quality and reliability of the included videos using the DISCERN and Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI) tools. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation analysis (∝ = 0.05).
    RESULTS: A total of 69 videos were included for profound analyses. The average DISCERN and VIQI scores were 35.04 ± 6.3 and 14.18 ± 2.46, with 53 videos categorized as "poor" quality using the DISCERN tool. A Spearman rank correlation analysis presented a strong agreement between the DISCERN and VIQI scores (r = .753; p < .001). Nevertheless, based on different sources of upload, no statistically significant differences were reported for video demographics, interaction index, and DISCERN and VIQI scores.
    CONCLUSIONS: Although YouTube videos on peri-implant diseases and conditions present accurate preliminary information, their reliability still remains uncertain. Hence, we urge respective policymakers to recognize, endorse and produce high-quality videos for accurate information dissemination.
    Keywords:  DISCERN; VIQI; dental implant; internet; peri-implant health; peri-implant mucositis; peri-implantitis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/clr.14246
  19. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Feb 20.
    Evaluation of the origin and educational quality of youtube videos on adrenaline auto-ınjectors.
    I D Toprak, P Korkmaz, Z Kılınc, D Unal, S Demir, A Gelincik.
      Summary: Background. Guidelines highlight the pivotal role of adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) training. However, the standards of visual training platforms has not been determined. Our aim was to evaluate the reliability and quality of the AAI related videos on YouTube. Methods. After a search on YouTube about AAI, all videos were categorized into groups based on their origin and the aim of the content. The quality, reliability, understandibility, and actionability of the videos were evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool Audovisiual (PEMAT-A/V), Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), and a modified DISCERN. In each video, the application steps of AAI were evaluated according to a scale of correct usage. Results. 107 YouTube videos in English were included. No significant difference in terms of views, likes, duration and uploading time was observed between the health and non-health groups whereas the GQS (p=0.001), DISCERN (total: p=0.02, and overall: p=0.094), modified DISCERN (p=0.001) scores were higher in the health group. It was found that scores tended to be higher in educational videos. AAI use was mentioned in 85% videos. The median number of mentioned steps was 6. Conclusions. YouTube is an effective platform for visual learning for the use of AAIs. Although the visibility of the videos is equal independent of the origin, the ones recorded by medical professionals seem to provide the most qualified and reliable information.
    Keywords:  Adrenaline; YouTube; anaphylaxis; auto-injector; epinephrine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.333
  20. J Surg Res. 2024 Feb 16. pii: S0022-4804(24)00077-5. [Epub ahead of print]296 711-719
    Assessing the Readability of Clinical Trial Consent Forms for Surgical Specialties.
    Amir H Karimi, Maura R Guyler, Christian J Hecht, Robert J Burkhart, Alexander J Acuña, Atul F Kamath.
      INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the readability of surgical clinical trial consent forms and compare readability across surgical specialties.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of surgical clinical trial consent forms available on ClinicalTrials.gov to quantitatively evaluate readability, word count, and length variations among different specialties. The analysis was performed between November 2022 and January 2023. A total of 386 surgical clinical trial consent forms across 14 surgical specialties were included.
    RESULTS: The main outcomes were language complexity (measured using Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level), number of words (measured as word count), time to read (measured at reading speeds of 240 per min), and readability (measured by Flesch Reading Ease Score, Gunning Frog Index, Simple Measures of Gobbledygook Index, FORCAST, and Automated Readability Index). The surgical consent forms were a mean (standard deviation) of 2626 (1668) words long, with a mean of 12:53 min to read at 240 words per min. None of the surgical specialties had an average readability level of sixth grade or lower across all six indices, and only 16 out of 386 (4%) clinical trials met the recommended reading level. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in reading grade level between surgical specialties based on the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease indices.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that current surgical clinical trial consent documents are too long and complex, exceeding the recommended sixth-grade reading level. Ensuring readable clinical trial consent forms is not only ethically responsible but also crucial for protecting patients' rights and well-being by facilitating informed decision-making.
    Keywords:  Clinical trials; Consent forms; Informed consent; Readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2024.01.045
  21. JAMIA Open. 2024 Apr;7(1): ooae011
    Women with ovarian cancer's information seeking and avoidance behaviors: an interview study.
    Yu Chi, Vivian Hui, Hannah Kunsak, Peter Brusilovsky, Heidi Donovan, Daqing He, Young Ji Lee.
      Objectives: Despite the importance of using information for ovarian cancer (OvCa) disease management and decision-making, some women with OvCa do not actively seek out information. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that influence information seeking behaviors and information avoidance behaviors and information resources among women with OvCa and their caregivers.Materials and methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with OvCa patients or caregivers of OvCa (n = 20) and employed deductive and inductive coding methodologies for analysis.
    Results: Our analysis revealed 5 emerging themes associated with active information seeking behavior, 5 themes of passive information acquisition, and 4 themes of information avoidance behavior. Additionally, we identified participants' preferred information sources for OvCa management, such as health organization or government operated resources and web-based social groups.
    Discussion: To enhance information access, strategies should be developed to motivate people with OvCa to seek rather than avoid information. The study emphasizes the significance of promoting patient-provider communication and leveraging strong social support networks for effective information acquisition.
    Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable implications for clinical practice and policymaking, emphasizing the need to improve access to information for individuals with OvCa. By addressing the identified factors influencing information seeking behaviors, healthcare professionals and policymakers can better support patients and caregivers in their information-seeking journey, ultimately enhancing disease management and decision-making outcomes.
    Keywords:  information avoidance behavior; information seeking behavior; information sources; interview; ovarian cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/jamiaopen/ooae011
  22. Health Promot J Austr. 2024 Feb 21.
    Parental practices and perspectives on health and digital technology use information seeking for children aged 0-36 months.
    Danica Hendry, Leon Straker, Brittany Bourne, Sarah Coshan, Ndapile Kumwembe, Caroline McCarthy, Juliana Zabatiero.
      BACKGROUND: Parents commonly seek information to support the health and well-being of their children. The increasing availability of health information online and social changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed what information is sought, from whom, where, and why. This qualitative study explored parents' practices and perspectives on seeking health and digital technology use information for their young children.METHODS: Twenty parents, living in Australia (7 rural, 3 remote, and 10 metropolitan), with children aged 0-36 months completed a semi-structured interview.
    RESULTS: Parents commonly turned to friends and family and online sources to access health information for their young children. For all types of health information, including digital technology use, themes were identified surrounding aspects of information sources participants valued and accessibility of health services. Perceived credibility and trustworthiness, relatability with other parents, ease of accessibility and convenience, and actionable, bite-sized information were valued. Reduced accessibility to health services due to COVID-19 and geographical location, and need for agency in managing their child's health influenced parents' choice of source of information. Few participants actively sought information about digital technology use for their young child, with the main focus on screen time.
    CONCLUSION: Interactions with family and friends and online sources are important to parents when accessing health information for their child. Parents valued information sources which they considered trustworthy, credible, and relatable, as well as easily accessible and convenient. SO WHAT?: Dissemination of health information reflecting these values may empower parents during this early stage of parenthood.
    Keywords:  child health; children; digital technology; health; information sources; parenting
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.849
  23. Int Health. 2024 Feb 23. pii: ihae020. [Epub ahead of print]
    Online health information-seeking behaviours for low back pain in the United Kingdom: analysis of data from Google trends and the Global Burden of Disease Study, 2004-2019.
    Harpal Patel, Thomas A Shepherd.
      BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of global disability. Timely health-seeking is crucial for early diagnosis and management of pathologies. Despite increases in internet usage, there is sparse literature regarding online health information-seeking behaviours (OHISBs) for LBP and how they correlate with the LBP disease burden in the UK.METHODS: To examine OHISB trends, we conducted Prais-Winsten analyses on monthly search volume data from Google Trends in the UK between 1 January 2004 and 1 December 2019. Cross-correlation analyses assessed the relationship between annual LBP search volume and LBP morbidity and mortality data from the Global Burden of Disease study (2004-2019).
    RESULTS: From 2004 to 2019, the trend in LBP search volume was curvilinear (β=1.27, t=5.00, p<0.001), with a slope change around the end of 2006. There was a negative linear trend (β=-0.25, t35=-1.52, p<0.14) from 2004 to 2006 and a positive linear trend (β=0.67, t108=9.17, p<0.001) from 2007 to 2019. Cross-correlations revealed positive associations between search volume and disease burden indicators for LBP such as prevalence and incidence at lags 4 and 5.
    CONCLUSIONS: A rising trend in OHISBs for LBP was noted between 2004 and 2019. This trend positively correlates with incidence, prevalence and burden measures. These findings emphasise the importance of high-quality online resources to increase awareness around LBP, facilitating early diagnosis and management.
    Keywords:  Global Burden of Disease; Google Trends; disability; infodemiology; low back pain; online health information seeking
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae020
  24. Nurs Health Sci. 2024 Mar;26(1): e13098
    Online health information searching and health literacy among middle-aged and older adults: A cross-sectional study.
    Shiho Ishizuki, Michiyo Hirano.
      Given the rapid increase in health information available, health literacy is now more important than ever when searching for health information online. Furthermore, health literacy and online health information searching are reported to be associated with support from others. In this study, we examined the associations of health literacy and social support with online health information searching among individuals in their 50s and 60s. Between March and May 2022, an anonymous self-administered questionnaire was administered among 750 middle-aged and older adults (age 50-69) living in northern Japan. The questionnaire items included personal characteristics, frequency of online health information searching, health literacy domains, and social support. A total of 237 respondents answered all the items (response rate: 31.6%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that communicative health literacy was significantly associated with searching for information about illnesses and health promotion, while critical health literacy was significantly associated with searching for information about medical institutions. Controlling for personal characteristics, health literacy, was associated with online health information searching, suggesting that improving health literacy is important in a digital and information society.
    Keywords:  Japan; communicative health literacy; critical health literacy; health literacy; middle age; social support
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.13098
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