Evaluating the web as a source of information for patients with chest wall deformities: insights into engagement and disparities.
Pediatr Surg Int
; 40(1): 150, 2024 Jun 04.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38833023
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Recent data highlight the internet's pivotal role as the primary information source for patients. In this study, we emulate a patient's/caregiver's quest for online information concerning chest deformities and assess the quality of available information.METHODS:
We conducted an internet search using combination of the terms "pectus excavatum," "pectus excavatum surgery," "funnel chest," "pectus excavatum repair" and identified the first 100 relevant websites from the three most popular search engines Google, Yahoo, and Bing. These websites were evaluated using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) instrument.RESULTS:
Of the 300 websites generated, 140 (46.7%) were included in our evaluation after elimination of duplicates, non-English websites, and those targeting medical professionals. The EQIP scores in the final sample ranged from 8 to 32/36, with a median score of 22. Most of the evaluated websites (32.8%) originated from hospitals, yet none met all 36 EQIP criteria.DISCUSSION:
None of the evaluated websites pertaining to pectus excavatum achieved a flawless "content quality" score. The diverse array of websites potentially complicates patients' efforts to navigate toward high-quality resources. Barriers in accessing high-quality online patient information may contribute to disparities in referral, patient engagement, treatment satisfaction, and overall quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Internet
/
Tórax en Embudo
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Pediatr Surg Int
Asunto de la revista:
PEDIATRIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Grecia
Pais de publicación:
Alemania