Radiography (Lond). 2018 Nov;pii: S1078-8174(18)30039-7. [Epub ahead of print]24(4):
315-327
INTRODUCTION: The Internet has become an innovative instrument older adults utilise to obtain health-related information. Poor quality health information may cause harm to individuals. If not accessible, or at a level comprehended by target audiences, this does not support the development of their knowledge and subsequently hinders patient's ability to make informed-decisions.AIM: evaluate quality, readability, accessibility and usability of online information for women with breast implants invited to attend the NHSBSP.
METHODS: Eight websites were evaluated for quality and accessibility/usability using uniquely developed evaluation tools. The 'three-click' rule was used to assess usability and SMOG tool to measure readability. Quality and accessibility/usability scores were combined to give an overall score, which were then converted into percentages. A percentage categorisation system ranked the percentage scores from poor to excellent. Readability scores were represented in number of years of education required to read/understand text.
RESULTS: Average quality score = 14 (66.6%). Average accessibility/usability score = 9 (56.6%). 7 websites achieved an overall score in the poor percentage category (below 75%). Over 50% of websites had readability levels higher than the recommended level for online health information. 100% were above the UK average reading age.
CONCLUSION: Websites providing information on breast screening with implants are not easily accessible, are of poor quality and too difficult to be read by most people. The quality, readability and accessibility of each website's content should be improved to help support women make informed decisions relating-to breast-screening attendance, increase their understanding and lessen their anxiety.
Keywords: Breast imaging; Breast implants; Breast screening; Evaluation; Health information websites; Internet, Online