bims-librar Biomed News
on Biomedical librarianship
Issue of 2026–01–25
twenty papers selected by
Thomas Krichel, Open Library Society
  1. The Power of Literature Reviews.
  2. Beyond Accuracy: How Patient Families in South Korea Evaluate Medical Information and Build Institutional Trust.
  3. Retrieving Transgender and Gender Diverse Literature: Protocol for the Development and Validation of 2 Search Hedges.
  4. Is ChatGPT a reliable informant? Dermatologists review AI-generated answers to frequently asked questions about melanoma.
  5. Quality and Reliability of AI Information on Dental Implant Failure: A Comparative Multi-Model Analysis.
  6. Artificial Intelligence in Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Comparison of Large Language Models in Answering Perioperative Care Questions.
  7. Comparison of AI chatbot-generated and web-based health information on the effects of radiation in fetuses and children.
  8. Re: Stacy Loeb, Mariana Rangel Camacho, Tatiana Sanchez Nolasco, et al. Downstream Impact of Social Media Use and Variable Quality of Online Information About Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol Oncol 2025;8:1648-52.
  9. In reply to the letter to the editor regarding "Readability, understandability, and quality of online education materials and large language models for retrograde cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction".
  10. Is Online Oriented-Centred Information About Dry Mouth Trustworthy? An Infodemiologic Study.
  11. Quality and accessibility of online patient self-education resources for breast reconstruction.
  12. Do likes reflect quality? Engagement metrics and information reliability of robotic surgery short videos.
  13. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality and reliability of smoking cessation videos on YouTube: a comparative study across three pandemic periods.
  14. Evaluating the validity and reliability of Youtube videos on 'heart anatomy' for anatomy education.
  15. Educational value of YouTube videos on exercise during pregnancy: A cross-sectional analysis.
  16. Quality and content analysis of syphilis-related short videos on Douyin (TikTok): A cross-sectional study.
  17. The quality and reliability of short videos about migraine on Chinese social Media platforms (BiliBili and TikTok): A cross-sectional study.
  18. Exploring the information needs of breast cancer patients and families in a large, urban, academic hospital: perceived barriers and facilitators to finding relevant and credible information.
  19. Research Paradigm Mismatch: How Patients and Health Care Professionals Seek Health-Related Information Online.
  20. Experiences of Decision-Making in Healthcare and Online Health Information-Seeking Among Older Adults and People with Long-Term Disease: Online Survey Study.
  1. J Sch Nurs. 2026 Feb;42(1): 3-5
    The Power of Literature Reviews.
    Mayumi A Willgerodt.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/10598405251409622
  2. J Eval Clin Pract. 2026 Feb;32(1): e70368
    Beyond Accuracy: How Patient Families in South Korea Evaluate Medical Information and Build Institutional Trust.
    SangYoon Lim.
       BACKGROUND: In the evolving patient-centred healthcare market, family members often act as 'surrogate information seekers', playing a pivotal role in medical decision-making and hospital selection. However, unlike healthcare professionals, these lay consumers face significant challenges in evaluating the quality of online medical information. This study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine how patient families perceive medical information quality and how these perceptions influence their satisfaction and intention to revisit medical institutions.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 318 patient families who had utilised healthcare services in the southern region of Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The collected data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the hypothesised relationships between information quality dimensions (accuracy, reliability, timeliness, accessibility), perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioural intentions.
    RESULTS: The findings indicate that reliability, timeliness, and accessibility significantly enhance both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Notably, the accuracy of information did not exert a significant influence on users' perceptions, suggesting that lay families may rely more on heuristic cues like accessibility and timeliness than on technical precision. Furthermore, satisfaction with medical information was found to significantly increase hospital satisfaction, which in turn served as a strong predictor of the intention to revisit.
    CONCLUSION: These results suggest that for healthcare providers, merely claiming information accuracy is insufficient to engage patient families. Instead, institutions should prioritise communication strategies that ensure information is easily accessible and transparently reliable. By lowering barriers to information and enhancing usability, providers can reduce family anxiety, improve satisfaction, and ultimately build long-term institutional trust.
    Keywords:  Technology Acceptance Model (TAM); medical information quality; patient family; revisit intention; surrogate information seeking
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.70368
  3. JMIR Res Protoc. 2026 Jan 23. 15 e76055
    Retrieving Transgender and Gender Diverse Literature: Protocol for the Development and Validation of 2 Search Hedges.
    Chi Dinh, Zack Marshall, Scott Marsalis, Ryn Gagen, Preet Kang, Avery Everhart.
       BACKGROUND: Searching for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) references within large academic databases can be a challenging process, partly due to the dynamic and diverse definitions of words and terminologies used by multiple interest holders. Search hedges are preestablished search strings that aid in the efficacy of identifying and screening relevant articles. Validated search hedges focused on TGD people and topics will aid in identifying relevant literature.
    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop and validate the sensitivity and precision of 2 interdisciplinary and cross-cultural TGD search hedges designed for retrieving references from MEDLINE and APA PsycInfo, both on the Ovid platform.
    METHODS: Searches were conducted using the finalized search hedges via Ovid on June 7, 2024, yielding 31,055 references from MEDLINE and 22,924 references from APA PsycInfo. A random sample of 2330 records from MEDLINE and 2293 records from APA PsycInfo will be independently screened by at least 2 team members. At the title and abstract screening stage, references will be excluded if they (1) use solely binary terminology to describe gender, (2) focus on psychometric measurement of gender, or (3) focus on intersex or differences of sex development (DSD) topics. References will be included if they (1) report on transgender or gender diverse people, or both, in their sample; or (2) specifically discuss TGD communities or TGD topics. References without an abstract will be categorized as No_Abstract. References in which the TGD population is unclear will be categorized as LGB_Maybe_T or Mixed_Topics. Only references in the No_Abstract, LGB_Maybe_T, or Mixed_Topics categories will proceed to the full-text screening phase. In the full-text screening phase, references will be categorized as included if they (1) clearly distinguish between sexual identity and gender identity, (2) mention or discuss TGD topics or experiences in the Methods or Results sections, (3) communicate consideration for participants' gender self-identification and experiences, or (4) consider TGD populations as a distinct subpopulation. The results of the screening process will be used to calculate precision and sensitivity, with a targeted sensitivity of 100% and a targeted precision of 76% for each search hedge.
    RESULTS: Validation and data analysis are projected to be finished by December 2025, with results expected to be published in 2026.
    CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous and transparent knowledge synthesis processes, starting with a high-quality search hedge, can help inform and equip community members, clinicians, policymakers, and other key decision-makers with scientifically sound evidence.
    INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/76055.
    Keywords:  Two-Spirit; database searching; evidence synthesis; gender minority; information justice; nonbinary; search filter validation; search hedge validation; transgender
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2196/76055
  4. Dermatol Reports. 2026 Jan 21.
    Is ChatGPT a reliable informant? Dermatologists review AI-generated answers to frequently asked questions about melanoma.
    Gianluca Pistore, Luca Fania, Giovanni Pellacani, Ignazio Stanganelli, Giovanni Paolino, Cesare Massone, Giovanni Di Lella, Damiano Abeni, Francesco Ricci.
      Dear Editor, In recent years, many individuals have turned to the Internet for health-related information, a phenomenon commonly referred to as "Dr. Google". While accessible, this practice often exposes users to unverified content, potentially leading to confusion and anxiety. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the landscape is shifting: tools like ChatGPT offer structured, conversational responses. But how reliable are these answers, especially in the medical field? [...].
    Keywords:  Artificial intelligence; ChatGPT; accuracy; dermatology; digital health; melanoma; patient information
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10568
  5. J Craniofac Surg. 2026 Jan 19.
    Quality and Reliability of AI Information on Dental Implant Failure: A Comparative Multi-Model Analysis.
    Seval Ceylan Şen, Şeyma Çardakci Bahar, Özlem Saraç Atagün, Gülbahar Ustaoğlu, Zeynep Hazan Yildiz, Hülya Toker.
       OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a consensus-based set of patient questions on dental implant failure and to compare the clarity, quality, accuracy, reliability, and readability of responses generated by 4 widely used AI chatbots: ChatGPT-4, DeepSeek-R1, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini.
    METHODS: Twenty-three expert-validated questions were derived from the EAO 2021 and ICOI Pisa Consensus reports and independently submitted to each AI model under standardized, non-personalized conditions. Responses were assessed using CLEAR criteria, mGQS, a 5-point accuracy scale, the first 8 DISCERN items, and Flesch-based readability indices. Nonparametric tests were used for intermodel comparisons.
    RESULTS: AI models demonstrated significant variability in performance. Gemini achieved the highest accuracy (P<0.001), whereas ChatGPT-4 exhibited the highest reliability based on DISCERN scores. Copilot generated the most structurally fluent responses, whereas DeepSeek-R1 offered the best readability. Although CLEAR and mGQS scores were high across all systems, readability and linguistic complexity varied markedly. Accuracy, clarity, and reliability were strongly correlated, whereas readability displayed the expected inverse association with grade-level demand.
    CONCLUSIONS: AI chatbots hold potential as adjunct tools for patient education on implant failure; however, their performance characteristics differ substantially. Gemini excels in accuracy, ChatGPT-4 in reliability, Copilot in fluency, and DeepSeek-R1 in readability. Model-specific guidance and continued refinement are needed to enhance the clinical usefulness and accessibility of AI-generated patient information.
    Keywords:  Accuracy; CLEAR criteria; DISCERN; artificial intelligence; chatbots; dental implant failure; quality; readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000012415
  6. J Craniofac Surg. 2026 Jan 23.
    Artificial Intelligence in Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Comparison of Large Language Models in Answering Perioperative Care Questions.
    Rohan Mangal, Taylor Kring, Anshumi Desai, Valeria Bustos, Supriya Dadi, Wrood Kassira, Seth Thaller.
       BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis surgery poses complex challenges for caregivers. Often, they utilize large language models (LLMs) for preoperative and postoperative information. Although LLMs offer accessible guidance, persistent concerns center on their information quality and readability, especially in specialized surgical contexts.
    METHODS: This study evaluates the readability and quality of responses from 4 leading LLMs, ChatGPT-4o, Google Gemini 2.0, DeepSeek, and OpenEvidence, to 20 standardized perioperative questions about craniosynostosis surgery. Quality was assessed using modified DISCERN criteria, and readability was measured using SMOG Index. Statistical analysis included 1-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD.
    RESULTS: By SMOG score, OpenEvidence produced responses at the highest reading level (17.54), indicating a graduate-level comprehension requirement. ChatGPT (14.45), DeepSeek (14.40), and Google Gemini (15.17) generated information at an undergraduate reading level. By information quality, measured by modified DISCERN scores, Google Gemini achieved the highest score (42.95, P <0.001) out of maximum 45, significantly outperforming ChatGPT (36.25), DeepSeek (37.55), and OpenEvidence (36.75). Gemini's responses were rated highest in clarity, citation use, and support for shared decision-making.
    CONCLUSIONS: LLMs vary significantly in readability and information quality. Google Gemini offered the most trustworthy content, whereas DeepSeek was most accessible. No single model excelled across all dimensions, suggesting that clinicians should guide caregivers toward LLMs best suited to their literacy level. Generative AI holds promise for augmenting patient education in craniosynostosis care. However, it should be used alongside clinician input to ensure clarity, accuracy, and relevance.
    Keywords:  Artificial intelligence; DISCERN; craniosynostosis; large language model; patient education
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000012087
  7. J Rural Med. 2026 Jan;21(1): 9-19
    Comparison of AI chatbot-generated and web-based health information on the effects of radiation in fetuses and children.
    Shinya Ito, Emi Furukawa, Tsuyoshi Okuhara, Hiroko Okada, Takahiro Kiuchi.
       Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare the readability, understandability, and actionability of radiation-related health information targeting fetuses and children, as provided by Japanese-language web-based sources and AI chatbot-generated content. Furthermore, this study aimed to explore the potential of AI tools to improve access to health information in rural and underserved regions.
    Materials and Methods: We analyzed 40 publicly accessible Japanese webpages and 30 AI-generated texts produced by ChatGPT (paid and free versions), Copilot, and Gemini. Two prompt types were used: one at the standard reading level and the other at the 6th-grade reading level. Texts were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT-P) to assess understandability and actionability, and jReadability to evaluate text complexity.
    Results: At the standard level, 46.7% of the ChatGPT-4o texts and 78.6% of the Gemini texts achieved PEMAT-P scores ≥70. At the 6th-grade level, all AI-generated texts exceeded this threshold. The AI texts were consistently easier to read than the web-based materials. The paid version of ChatGPT-4o generated slightly more comprehensible text than its free counterpart. However, both AI and web content lack sufficient actionable elements and visual support. Among chatbots, Gemini produced the most user-friendly content, whereas Copilot exhibited notable limitations in terms of coherence and clarity.
    Conclusion: Even free AI chatbots can generate health information that is easy to read and understand when guided by well-designed prompts. These tools have the potential to reduce health information disparities, especially in rural areas or during disasters where access to professional medical consultations may be limited. Future studies should address the accuracy, reliability, and practical implementation of AI-generated content in real-world health communications.
    Keywords:  AI chatbot; fetuses and children; health education; radiation; readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2185/jrm.2025-019
  8. Eur Urol Oncol. 2026 Jan 21. pii: S2588-9311(26)00002-7. [Epub ahead of print]
    Re: Stacy Loeb, Mariana Rangel Camacho, Tatiana Sanchez Nolasco, et al. Downstream Impact of Social Media Use and Variable Quality of Online Information About Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol Oncol 2025;8:1648-52.
    Rodolfo Montironi, Gianluca Giannarini, Alessia Cimadamore, Antonio Lopez-Beltran, Eamonn T Rogers, Liang Cheng.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euo.2025.12.019
  9. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2026 Jan 21.
    In reply to the letter to the editor regarding "Readability, understandability, and quality of online education materials and large language models for retrograde cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction".
    Nurullah Türe, Emel Tahir, Necati Enver.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-025-09988-4
  10. Int Dent J. 2026 Jan 21. pii: S0020-6539(25)08636-8. [Epub ahead of print]76(2): 109355
    Is Online Oriented-Centred Information About Dry Mouth Trustworthy? An Infodemiologic Study.
    Muath Alassaf, Shadan Sharbib, Reem Alhammad, Hattan Zaki, Hamzah Babkair, Ahmad Othman, Albraa Alolayan, Shadia Elsayed.
       INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Xerostomia is a common condition with significant effects on oral health and quality of life. Patients frequently seek health information online; however, the quality and reliability of such information remain questionable. This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and readability of patient-oriented information about xerostomia available on different websites.
    METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using Google, Bing, and Yahoo with the terms 'dry mouth' and 'xerostomia'. Eligible websites were evaluated for source type and assessed using the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmarks, Health on the Net criteria, and the DISCERN instrument. Readability was measured using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook and Flesch Reading Ease Score.
    RESULTS: A total of 203 websites were analysed. Nonprofit organizations were the most frequent source (45.8%), followed by dental/medical centres (36.9%), commercial sites (12.3%), and governmental/university sources (4.9%). The median DISCERN score indicated medium quality (3.5). Readability was high across all sites (median Flesch Reading Ease Score: 94.75; Simple Measure of Gobbledygook: 3.2), with no significant differences except in word and sentence counts. Nonprofit websites scored the highest for reliability and quality according to DISCERN and Journal of the American Medical Association criteria.
    CONCLUSION: Online information about xerostomia is generally highly readable but varies in quality and reliability. Nonprofit websites provided the most trustworthy and comprehensive resources, while governmental and university-affiliated websites were underrepresented.
    CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given the variety in the quality and readability of online material about xerostomia, enhancing the reliability of web-based health resources necessitates a collaborative effort by healthcare providers. Encouraging website developers and organizations to use standardized evaluation tools to assure the accuracy and accessibility of online content can improve patient education and help informed decision-making and enhance digital health literacy.
    Keywords:  Dry mouth; Health literacy; Online health information; Patient education; Website quality assessment; Xerostomia
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2025.109355
  11. JPRAS Open. 2026 Mar;48 500-513
    Quality and accessibility of online patient self-education resources for breast reconstruction.
    Arashk Ghasroddashti, Colm Guyn, Yonatan Fortinsky, Robert Wesley Edmunds, Glykeria Martou.
       Background: With rising interest in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, patients are increasingly turning to online resources to supplement medical consultations. However, the quality and accessibility of these materials remain inconsistent. This study evaluates the readability, understandability, actionability, content coverage, and transparency of online breast reconstruction resources.
    Methods: The top 20 Google search results were examined for five common breast reconstruction-related queries. Metrics assessed included SMOG readability level, PEMAT scores (understandability and actionability), content coverage, and a modified EQIP score for quality. Statistical analyses examined relationships among these variables and with factors like search rank, author type, and query.
    Results: Mean content coverage was 49 %, with significant gaps in preoperative planning, treatment side effects, and fat grafting. Readability was poor (mean SMOG 12.3). Understandability was high (80 %), but actionability (37 %) and quality (modEQIP of 40 %) were low. Academic authors produced shorter and lower-quality resources. Higher-ranked resources were generally longer and correlated with better performance across most metrics. Specific queries like 'DIEP flap' yielded narrower, lower-quality resources.
    Conclusions: Online resources for breast reconstruction are highly variable and often fall short in readability, comprehensiveness, and transparency. Although understandability is generally acceptable, low actionability and inconsistent coverage hinder patient utility. Search engine rank modestly correlates with quality, suggesting some alignment between visibility and value. Improving these resources will require targeted efforts to simplify language, address topic gaps, and enhance actionable content-especially for specialized queries where quality remains lowest.
    Keywords:  Breast reconstruction; Google; Health information; Internet; Patient education
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2025.12.022
  12. J Robot Surg. 2026 Jan 19. 20(1): 187
    Do likes reflect quality? Engagement metrics and information reliability of robotic surgery short videos.
    Haoran Dai, Jingyang Liu, Yuan Chen, Yao Yang, Yanling Zhou, Zhiwen Zheng, Zheng Gong, Xingfu Ma, Xianzuo Zhang, Junchen Zhu.
       BACKGROUND: Despite the rapid rise of short-video platforms as health information sources, the informational quality of robotic-surgery videos-an area requiring precise clinical explanation-remains insufficiently studied.
    OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality and reliability of robotic-surgery videos on TikTok and Bilibili and determine how platform features and uploader identity shape content quality.
    METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 200 videos (100 per platform) scored using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN). Videos were coded by uploader type and theme, and group differences and predictors were examined with nonparametric tests and multivariable regression.
    RESULTS: TikTok videos drew more engagement, but Bilibili posts were longer and scored higher on GQS and mDISCERN. Professional uploaders produced the most reliable content. Engagement metrics correlated with each other yet did not predict quality in regression.
    CONCLUSIONS: On short-video platforms, visibility and scientific accuracy diverge-highlighting the need for professional involvement, quality-sensitive governance, and stronger public digital health literacy.
    Keywords:  Bilibili; Health communication; Robotic surgery; Short-video platforms; TikTok; Video quality
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11701-026-03144-8
  13. Front Public Health. 2025 ;13 1675473
    The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality and reliability of smoking cessation videos on YouTube: a comparative study across three pandemic periods.
    Yağmur Gökseven Arda, Saliha Büşra Aksu, Seda Özmen Sever, Güzin Zeren Öztürk.
       Background: YouTube has become a prominent source of health information, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the quality and reliability of its content remain variable. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the quality, reliability, and informational structure of smoking cessation videos published on YouTube.
    Methods: This comparative descriptive content analysis included 600 YouTube videos collected across three periods: pre-COVID (November 2018-October 2019), mid-COVID (June 2020-May 2021), and post-COVID (June 2023-May 2024). For each period, the top 50 most-viewed and 50 randomly selected videos for the keywords "quit smoking" and "smoking cessation" were analyzed. After applying exclusion criteria, 271 videos were included. Video quality was assessed using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria and Global Quality Score (GQS), while engagement metrics (view count, like ratio, watch time) were recorded.
    Results: Of the 271 videos, 66.8% were classified as useful, while 33.2% were misleading. A significant difference in content quality was observed across the three COVID-19 periods (p = 0.017). Videos from the mid-COVID period were significantly more likely to be rated as useful and high-quality compared to the pre-COVID period (p = 0.030), reflecting a temporary increase in content reliability during the pandemic peak. Educational content consistently showed the highest quality scores across all periods. In multivariable regression, GQS was the strongest predictor of perceived usefulness (OR for moderate vs. low = 38.9, p = 0.001). The logistic regression model demonstrated excellent discriminative performance, with an AUC of 0.912 (95% CI: 0.879-0.946; p < 0.001), effectively distinguishing useful from non-useful videos.
    Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a transient improvement in the quality of smoking cessation content on YouTube, driven largely by contributions from healthcare professionals. However, the post-pandemic decline in content quality underscores the need for sustained digital health strategies and greater professional engagement to promote reliable online health information.
    Keywords:  GQS; JAMA; YouTube; digital health; public health; quit smoking; smoking cessation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1675473
  14. J Vis Commun Med. 2026 Jan 21. 1-7
    Evaluating the validity and reliability of Youtube videos on 'heart anatomy' for anatomy education.
    Ismail Sivri, Tuncay Colak.
      The anatomical structure of the heart is complex, demanding detailed understanding for effective clinical interpretation and medical education. YouTube is frequently used as a learning tool for anatomy, but the quality and accuracy of its content are inconsistent. This study systematically evaluated 58 YouTube videos on heart anatomy using the Brave browser in incognito mode. Video characteristics (duration, resolution), engagement metrics (views, likes), and content quality were assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Score, modified DISCERN, and an Anatomical Content Score. Statistical analyses were conducted using Jamovi 2.6.24.0. Results indicated that 44.8% of videos were created by anatomists, and 75.9% involved healthcare professionals. The most common format was animation (29.3%), while cadaver-based content was limited (12.1%). Videos presented by physicians achieved significantly higher GQS and modified DISCERN scores. Longer videos correlated with greater educational quality and user engagement. High-resolution videos showed higher view rates and Video Power Index, though resolution did not significantly affect quality scores. Overall, YouTube provides moderate-quality educational content on heart anatomy. Enhancing author transparency, referencing, and the use of cadaveric material may improve its value as a reliable educational resource.
    Keywords:  Heart anatomy; Youtube; anatomy education; reliability; validity
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/17453054.2026.2616528
  15. Early Hum Dev. 2026 Jan 19. pii: S0378-3782(26)00012-5. [Epub ahead of print]215 106489
    Educational value of YouTube videos on exercise during pregnancy: A cross-sectional analysis.
    Ugur Sozlu, Rumeysa Barut.
       BACKGROUND: Exercise during pregnancy provides significant physical and psychological benefits for both the mother and fetus. However, many women rely on online platforms such as YouTube for guidance, where the accuracy and quality of information can vary widely.
    AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the educational value of YouTube videos related to exercise during pregnancy.
    METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on YouTube using the keywords "exercise in pregnancy" and "exercise during pregnancy." A total of 97 videos were analyzed in terms of quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness. The Global Quality Scale (GQS) was used to assess video quality, while reliability was evaluated using the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) scale. The Exercise Specific Score in Pregnancy (EPSS) was employed to assess the educational content of the videos, and viewer engagement was measured using an interaction index based on likes, comments, and views.
    RESULTS: Most content was produced by certified pre and postnatal birth coaches (n = 55, 56.7%). Nearly half of the videos were high quality (n = 46, 47.4%), and the majority were reliable (n = 81, 83.5%). Professional organizations mainly produced moderate quality content, whereas health professionals and certified birth coaches generated higher quality videos; in contrast, fitness trainers tended to produce lower quality content. No significant correlations were found between GQS, mDISCERN, EPSS scores, and the interaction index (p > 0.05).
    CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that YouTube videos on exercise during pregnancy are generally high-quality and reliable. However, viewer engagement does not align with quality and reliability, indicating a potential risk of pregnant women accessing misleading or inaccurate information.
    Keywords:  Educational content; Exercise; Pregnancy; Quality; Reliability; YouTube
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106489
  16. Digit Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;12:12 20552076261416314
    Quality and content analysis of syphilis-related short videos on Douyin (TikTok): A cross-sectional study.
    Junlan Yang, Kaidi Zhao, Jiashu Liu.
       Objectives: Douyin (TikTok) has gradually emerged as an important channel through which the public obtains health information. This study aimed to evaluate the content, quality, and reliability of syphilis-related short videos on Douyin.
    Methods: We conducted two rounds of data collection on Douyin, extracting video duration, engagement metrics, uploader identity, and video content for syphilis-related videos. Video quality and reliability were assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tool. Correlation analyses were performed between video metrics and quality scores.
    Results: A total of 81 and 95 videos were included in the first and second rounds, respectively. Clinical manifestations were the most frequently discussed topic, whereas key information on diagnosis and prognosis was insufficiently covered. In the first round, the median GQS was 2.00 (IQR: 2.00-3.00), and the median mDISCERN score was 3.00 (IQR: 3.00-3.00). In the second round, the median GQS was 2.00 (IQR: 2.00-2.00), and the median mDISCERN score was 2.00 (IQR: 2.00-2.00). In both analyses, videos uploaded by healthcare professionals had higher GQS and mDISCERN scores than those uploaded by individual users (p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between video engagement metrics and either GQS or mDISCERN scores in either round (p > 0.05).
    Conclusions: The overall quality and reliability of syphilis-related videos on Douyin are suboptimal, and current content may not adequately meet public health information needs. Strengthening the involvement of healthcare professionals and improving content structure are essential to enhance the health education value of short video platforms.
    Keywords:  Syphilis; TikTok; health communication; information quality; short video
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076261416314
  17. Digit Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;12:12 20552076261415929
    The quality and reliability of short videos about migraine on Chinese social Media platforms (BiliBili and TikTok): A cross-sectional study.
    Siyu Qian, Jiachen Gu, Haonan Zhao.
       Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the content and quality of migraine-related videos on Chinese video-sharing platforms.
    Background: In recent years, the escalating incidence and prevalence of migraine have imposed an increasing burden on individuals. Short-video platforms, such as TikTok and BiliBili, have demonstrated immense potential for disseminating health-related information. While a substantial number of migraine-specific videos are available on TikTok and BiliBili, their quality and reliability remain largely uncharacterized.
    Method: On 24 August 2025, short videos related to migraine were gathered from BiliBili and TikTok via a comprehensive Chinese language search. Following the extraction of fundamental information, each video was evaluated using the Global Quality Score (GQS), the modified DISCERN tool (mDISCERN) score, and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis was employed to investigate the relationships among video variables, GQS, DISCERN, and PEMAT scores.
    Results: TikTok demonstrated greater popularity than BiliBili, evidenced by higher numbers of likes, collections, comments, and shares. Overall, short videos on TikTok generally received superior scores across all evaluation metrics compared to those on BiliBili. Furthermore, it was observed that videos shared by Neurology Professionals consistently scored higher in GQS, mDISCERN, PEMAT-U, and PEMAT-A than those from other contributors. Spearman's correlation analysis indicated no significant association between video variables and GQS or mDISCERN scores.
    Conclusions: The quality and reliability of migraine-related videos on both BiliBili and TikTok were found to be suboptimal. Notably, videos shared by Neurology Professionals tended to exhibit superior quality and trustworthiness. Therefore, individuals should exercise caution when consuming short-form video content.
    Keywords:  Global Quality Score; Migraine; quality; short videos; the modified DISCERN; the patient education materials assessment tool
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076261415929
  18. Support Care Cancer. 2026 Jan 23. 34(2): 123
    Exploring the information needs of breast cancer patients and families in a large, urban, academic hospital: perceived barriers and facilitators to finding relevant and credible information.
    Mohamed Ugas, Eleni Giannopoulos, Jessica Tan, Tulin D Cil, Jennifer Croke, Robin Forbes, Meredith E Giuliani, Anne Koch, Tina Papadakos, Naa Kwarley Quartey, Michelle Snow, Shelley Westergard, Janet Papadakos.
       PURPOSE: This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of breast cancer patients and caregivers in navigating cancer-related information.
    METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants (13 patients, 3 caregivers), most of whom were female (n = 13), highly educated, and reported strong digital and health literacy. Participants' ages ranged from 36 to 71 (M = 52). The majority were navigating invasive breast cancer, with a smaller number diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. Interviews focused on participants' experiences with information access, evaluation, and use across the cancer journey. Data were analyzed thematically.
    RESULTS: Despite high education levels, participants described feeling unprepared and overwhelmed by the amount and complexity of cancer information at diagnosis. Three themes emerged: (1) Tension Between Physician Guidance and Patient Autonomy, highlighting mixed feelings about clinicians' discouragement of independent research; (2) Information Overload and the Need for Timely, Personalized Communication, with a preference for specific guidance over large volumes of information; and (3) Unmet Needs for Tailored, Inclusive, and Accessible Support, as participants, especially male and racialized individuals, struggled to find information and peer support reflecting their identities and experiences.
    CONCLUSION: Findings reveal persistent information gaps underscoring the emotional and cognitive burdens of breast cancer information seeking.
    Keywords:  Breast cancer; Health information; Information seeking; Neoplasm; Patient education; Self-care
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-026-10344-3
  19. Perm J. 2026 Jan 20. 1-12
    Research Paradigm Mismatch: How Patients and Health Care Professionals Seek Health-Related Information Online.
    John Geracitano, Kaushalya Mendis, Saif Khairat.
       INTRODUCTION: Understanding how patients and health care professionals seek and interpret health information online helps to mitigate knowledge gaps at decision points, leading to improved shared decision-making and better health outcomes. The objective of this study was to improve decision-making by identifing themes in how patients, practitioners, and health care researchers seek health information online.
    METHODS: This qualitative focus group study occurred from October 2024 to February 2025. An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes directly from the sessions.
    RESULTS: A total of 31 participants took part in 7 focus group sessions. Of the participants, 65% were female, 52% self-identified as White, and 62% were between 18 and 34 years. Regarding level of education, 4 participants (13%) had a high school diploma/general educational development degree, although 81% had a bachelor's or graduate-level degree. Four participants (13%) were nonnative English speakers. Three major themes emerged surrounding online sources, social media usage, and trust.
    DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study revealed critical divergences in online health information-seeking across stakeholder groups. Patients increasingly rely on social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok for peer-driven narratives, whereas practitioners are more inclined to exclusively consult peer-reviewed literature. This divide creates information asymmetry that can undermine shared decision-making when patients are informed by experiential knowledge that practitioners lack or dismiss. All groups began online searches with Google but followed distinct pathways and relied primarily on surface-level credibility markers rather than systematic evaluation. To bridge these divides, the authors recommend integrating patient-sourced information training into medical education, incorporating information-seeking discussions into clinical encounters, and developing resources that bridge experiential and clinical knowledge. Researchers should also accelerate evidence translation through rapid translation mechanisms and partnerships with trusted platforms. As artificial intelligence tools increasingly shape health information access, understanding these evolving patterns remains essential for effective collaborative decision-making and potentially improved health outcomes.
    Keywords:  focus group; health-related information; healthcare provider; misinformation; social media; trust
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/25.168
  20. J Patient Exp. 2026 ;13 23743735251415086
    Experiences of Decision-Making in Healthcare and Online Health Information-Seeking Among Older Adults and People with Long-Term Disease: Online Survey Study.
    Milla Rosenlund, Tuuli Turja, Virpi Jylhä, Kaija Saranto, Hanna Kuusisto.
      Healthcare decision-making (DM) has shifted from a paternalistic model to shared DM, where professionals contribute with clinical expertise and patients share their values and preferences. Simultaneously, access to online health information influences how patients engage in decisions concerning care. This study examined perceived DM experiences during doctor's appointments and online health information-seeking among older adults and individuals with long-term conditions. A total of 736 Finnish respondents (mean age 68 years) completed an online survey. The Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9-FIN) assessed involvement in clinical decisions. Most participants reported feeling involved, with a mean SDM-Q-9 score of 25.96/36. Longer appointment duration (β = .50, P < .001), higher education attainment, and better health status were positively associated with perceived involvement. Adherence to treatment also enhanced DM experiences. Nearly half (48.6%) did not seek online health information before appointments. Respondents from patient associations reported more frequent information-seeking. The findings suggest that adequate consultation time and tailored communication can enhance DM. Support should be prioritized for patients with lower health status or limited health literacy.
    Keywords:  health information; patient communication; patient participation; shared decision-making
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/23743735251415086
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