How good is google?: the quality of otolaryngology information on the internet

Objective To assess the quality of the information a patient (parent) may encounter using a Google search for typical otolaryngology ailments. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Tertiary care center. Methods A Google keyword search was performed for 10 common otolaryngology problems including ear infection, hearing loss, tonsillitis, and so on. The top 10 search results for each were critically examined using the 16-item (1-5 scale) standardized DISCERN instrument. The DISCERN instrument was developed to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of patient treatment choice literature. Results A total of 100 Web sites were assessed. Of these, 19 (19%) were primarily advertisements for products and were excluded from DISCERN scoring. Searches for more typically chronic otolaryngic problems (eg, tinnitus, sleep apnea, etc) resulted in more biased, advertisement-type results than those for typically acute problems (eg, ear infection, sinus infection, P = .03). The search for "sleep apnea treatment" produced the highest scoring results (mean overall DISCERN score = 3.49, range = 1.81-4.56), and the search for "hoarseness treatment" produced the lowest scores (mean = 2.49, range = 1.56-3.56). Results from major comprehensive Web sites (WebMD, EMedicinehealth.com, Wikipedia, etc.) scored higher than other Web sites (mean DISCERN score = 3.46 vs 2.48, P < .001). Conclusion There is marked variability in the quality of Web site information for the treatment of common otolaryngologic problems. Searches on more chronic problems resulted in a higher proportion of biased advertisement Web sites. Larger, comprehensive Web sites generally provided better information but were less than perfect in presenting complete information on treatment options.     

UR-CHOICE: can we provide mothers-to-be with information about the risk of future pelvic floor dysfunction?

Vaginal childbirth is probably the most important factor in the aetiology of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and results in the combination of some or all of the following conditions: urinary (UI) and faecal (FI) incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Up until now, it has been difficult to counsel women antenatally regarding risk factors for subsequent PFD, as there has been little good-quality, long-term information available. We now have moderately robust epidemiological data at 12 and 20 years after delivery and objective pathophysiological data (pudendal nerve trauma and levator defects/avulsion). In this commentary, we propose a scoring system (UR-CHOICE) to predict the risk of future PFD based on several major risk factors (UI before pregnancy, ethnicity, age at birth of first child, body mass index, family history (mother and sister) of PFD and baby’s weight and maternal height (if <160 cm and baby >4 kg) that have been identified for subsequent PFD risk. This scoring system will help with counselling for women regarding PFD prevention.     

Computerized anaesthesia information management systems: are we on the threshold of widespread use?

Despite a recognition that they are essential for the future progress of anaesthesia, computerized anaesthesia information management systems are not in widespread use. In this article, relevant recent publications are summarized with a view to identifying the reasons for the current situation. Several developments which might promote the wider use of such systems in the near future are also presented.     

Does the quality,accuracy, and readability of information about lateral epicondylitis on the internet vary with the search term used?

Background

Concern exists over the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of online information about health care conditions. The goal of this study is to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and readability of information available on the internet about lateral epicondylitis.

Methods

We used three different search terms (“tennis elbow,” “lateral epicondylitis,” and “elbow pain”) in three search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo) to generate a list of 75 unique websites. Three orthopedic surgeons reviewed the content of each website and assessed the quality and accuracy of information. We assessed each website’s readability using the Flesch–Kincaid method. Statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA with post hoc pairwise comparisons.

Results

The mean reading grade level was 11.1. None of the sites were under the recommended sixth grade reading level for the general public. Higher quality information was found when using the terms “tennis elbow” and “lateral epicondylitis” compared to “elbow pain” (p < 0.001). Specialty society websites had higher quality than all other websites (p < 0.001). The information was more accurate if the website was authored by a health care provider when compared to non-health care providers (p = 0.003). Websites seeking commercial gain and those found after the first five search results had lower quality information.

Conclusions

Reliable information about lateral epicondylitis is available online, especially from specialty societies. However, the quality and accuracy of information vary significantly with the search term, website author, and order of search results. This leaves less educated patients at a disadvantage, particularly because the information we encountered is above the reading level recommended for the general public.     

To what extent should we trust statistics?

European Surgery - Everyday clinical decisions are based on “statistically” significant or non-significant results, with an exaggerated credit given to statistics. This is due to the...     

Morbidly adherent placenta: can we limit the aftermath?

Morbidly adherent placenta is a grave complication of pregnancy referring to a pathological adherence of placenta to uterine wall with a reported incidence of 1:2500 deliveries. Women with previous two caesarean sections and placenta previa are at greater risk and also those with previous damage to uterine wall. This commentary discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of the condition in local perspective.