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Khalid A, Anuff H, Woodhead S, Yeung TM. Assessment of the Quality of Patient-Oriented Internet Information on Fluorescence Imaging in Surgery. Surg Innov 2024:15533506241256827. [PMID: 38785116 DOI: 10.1177/15533506241256827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the digital age, patients are increasingly turning to the Internet to seek medical information to aid in their decision-making process before undergoing medical treatments. Fluorescence imaging is an emerging technological tool that holds promise in enhancing intra-operative decision-making during surgical procedures. This study aims to evaluate the quality of patient information available online regarding fluorescence imaging in surgery and assesses whether it adequately supports informed decision-making. METHOD The term "patient information on fluorescence imaging in surgery" was searched on Google. The websites that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were assessed using 2 scoring instruments. DISCERN was used to evaluate the reliability of consumer health information. QUEST was used to assess authorship, tone, conflict of interest and complementarity. RESULTS Out of the 50 websites identified from the initial search, 10 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Only two of these websites were updated in the last two years. The definition of fluorescence imaging was stated in only 50% of the websites. Although all websites mentioned the benefits of fluorescence imaging, none mentioned potential risks. Assessment by DISCERN showed that 30% of the websites were rated low and 70% were rated moderate. With QUEST, the websites demonstrated an average score of 62.5%. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of providing patients with accurate and balanced information about medical technologies and procedures they may undergo. Fluorescence imaging in surgery is a promising technology that can potentially improve surgical outcomes. However, patients need to be well-informed about its benefits and limitations in order to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aizaz Khalid
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, Univeristy Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Heena Anuff
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, Univeristy Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Sophie Woodhead
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, Univeristy Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Trevor M Yeung
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, Univeristy Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Narvaez-Rojas A, Arnaout MM, Hoz SS, Agrawal A, Lee A, Moscote-Salazar LR, Deora H. Info-pollution: a word of caution for the neurosurgical community. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41984-022-00179-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe medical-patient relationship is facing pollution of information all over the internet, for physician and patients is becoming tougher to keep updated with the highest quality of information. During the last 20 years multiple evaluation tools have been developed trying to find the best tool to assess high-quality information, to date DISCERN tool represents the most widely spread. Information can be found on the surface internet and in the deep web, constituting the biggest chunk of the internet, informing and controlling the quality of information is a formidable task. PubMed and Google Scholar are the most important tools for a physician to find information, although multiple others are available; awareness must be raised over improving current strategies for data mining high-quality information for the patients and the healthcare community.
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Papadakos J, Reznikov V, Giannopoulos E, Giuliani M, Papadakos T. The Literacy Demand of Cancer & COVID-19 Consumer Health Information. JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15398285.2020.1858258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Papadakos
- Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Patient Education Program, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Violetta Reznikov
- Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eleni Giannopoulos
- Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tina Papadakos
- Cancer Education Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Patient Education Program, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, Canada
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Udayanga V, Jayarajah U, Colonne SD, Seneviratne SA. Quality of the patient-oriented information on thyroid cancer in the internet. HEALTH POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Waidyasekera RH, Jayarajah U, Samarasekera DN. Quality and scientific accuracy of patient-oriented information on the internet on minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer. HEALTH POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Bojrab DI, Fritz C, Babu S, Lin KF. A Critical Analysis of the Information Available Online for Ménière’s Disease. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 162:329-336. [DOI: 10.1177/0194599819901150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective Patients increasingly rely on online resources for medical information; however, the Internet is unregulated and prone to misinformation. This study analyzes the reliability, quality, and readability of websites for Ménière’s disease. Study Design A Google search was performed using keywords Ménière’s disease. The first 5 pages (50 results) were reviewed. Websites were sorted into 5 categories: academic institutions, government agencies, professional organizations, medical information websites, and miscellaneous. The reliability, quality, and readability of each website were evaluated using the DISCERN instrument and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). DISCERN assesses reliability and quality by scoring 15 questions on a scale from 1 (low) to 3 (high). The reliability score emphasizes clear objectives and sources, as well as lack of bias, whereas the quality score emphasizes information on treatment options. The FKGL of each website was calculated using a formula to determine the equivalent US grade reading level. Setting Ambulatory. Subjects None. Results Forty-two websites were analyzed. Academic institutions were the most common (n = 13, 31%) but scored the lowest using DISCERN at 1.75 ± 0.13. Medical information websites scored highest at 2.24 ± 0.09 ( P = .024 compared to academic institutions). The average FKGL of all websites was 10.12 ± 0.57 with medical information websites being the easiest to read at 8.84 ± 0.83. Only 5 (13%) of websites scored below the eighth-grade reading level. Conclusions Most top online search results for Ménière’s disease are deficient in quality and readability. Medical information websites are generally the most reliable and easy to read.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seilesh Babu
- Michigan Ear Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA
| | - Kenny F. Lin
- Michigan Ear Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA
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Charow R, Snow M, Fathima S, Giuliani ME, McEwan K, Winegust J, Papadakos J. Evaluation of the scope, quality, and health literacy demand of Internet-based anal cancer information. J Med Libr Assoc 2019; 107:527-537. [PMID: 31607810 PMCID: PMC6774557 DOI: 10.5195/jmla.2019.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives As there is a dearth of information about anal cancer available at cancer centers, patients often use the Internet to search for information. This is problematic, however, because the quality of information on the Internet is variable, and the health literacy demanded is higher than the average patrons’ capacity. The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the most common websites with anal cancer consumer health information, (2) identify the supportive care needs that each website addresses, and (3) evaluate the websites’ quality and health literacy demand. Methods Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) entry terms for “Anus Neoplasms” were used in Google Canada to identify websites. Seven domains of supportive care needs were defined using Fitch’s Supportive Care Framework for Cancer Care. Website quality was evaluated using the DISCERN tool. Health literacy demand was assessed using readability calculators, where best practice dictates a grade 6 or lower, and the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool (PEMAT) that computes a percentage score in 2 domains, understandability and actionability, with 80% being an acceptable score. Results Eighteen unique websites were evaluated. One website met health literacy best practices and had a “good” quality rating. Most websites addressed only 1 supportive care domain (61%), were of “fair” quality (67%), had readability scores higher than grade 6 (89%), and had PEMAT scores ranging from 41%–92% for understandability and 0–70% for actionability. Conclusion The information gaps on anal cancer websites warrant a need for more health literate anal cancer health information on the Internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Charow
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,
| | - Michelle Snow
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,
| | - Sameera Fathima
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,
| | - Meredith E Giuliani
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,
| | - Kate McEwan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,
| | - Jordana Winegust
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,
| | - Janet Papadakos
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, and Patient Education, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada,
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Garfinkle R, Wong-Chong N, Petrucci A, Sylla P, Wexner SD, Bhatnagar S, Morin N, Boutros M. Assessing the readability, quality and accuracy of online health information for patients with low anterior resection syndrome following surgery for rectal cancer. Colorectal Dis 2019; 21:523-531. [PMID: 30609222 DOI: 10.1111/codi.14548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Management of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) requires a high degree of patient engagement. This process may be facilitated by online health-related information and education. The aim of this study was to systematically review current online health information on LARS. METHOD An online search of Google, Yahoo and Bing was performed using the search terms 'low anterior/anterior resection syndrome' and 'bowel function/movements after rectal cancer surgery'. Websites were assessed for readability (eight standardized tests), suitability (using the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument), quality (the DISCERN instrument), accuracy and content (using a LARS-specific content checklist). Websites were categorized as academic, governmental, nonprofit or private. RESULTS Of 117 unique websites, 25 met the inclusion criteria. The median readability level was 10.4 (9.2-11.7) and 11 (44.0%) websites were highly suitable. Using the DISCERN instrument, seven (28.0%) websites had clear aims, two (8.0%) divulged the sources used and four (16.0%) had high overall quality. Only eight (32.0%) websites defined LARS and ten (40.0%) listed all five major symptoms associated with the LARS score. There was variation in the number of websites that discussed dietary modifications (80.0%), self-help strategies (72.0%), medication (68.0%), pelvic floor rehabilitation (60.0%) and neuromodulation (8.0%). The median accuracy of websites was 93.8% (88.2-96.7%). Governmental websites scored highest for overall suitability (P = 0.0079) and quality (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Current online information on LARS is suboptimal. Websites are highly variable, important content is often lacking and material is too complex for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Garfinkle
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - N Wong-Chong
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - A Petrucci
- Division of General Surgery, Hôpital Cité de la Santé, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - P Sylla
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital and School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - S D Wexner
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA
| | - S Bhatnagar
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - N Morin
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M Boutros
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Bruce JG, Tucholka JL, Steffens NM, Mahoney JE, Neuman HB. Feasibility of Providing Web-Based Information to Breast Cancer Patients Prior to a Surgical Consult. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2018; 33:1069-1074. [PMID: 28361360 PMCID: PMC5623157 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-017-1207-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients facing decisions for breast cancer surgery commonly search the internet. Directing patients to high-quality websites prior to the surgeon consultation may be one way of supporting patients' informational needs. The objective was to test an approach for delivering web-based information to breast cancer patients. The implementation strategy was developed using the Replicating Effective Programs framework. Pilot testing measured the proportion that accepted the web-based information. A pre-consultation survey assessed whether the information was reviewed and the acceptability to stakeholders. Reasons for declining guided refinement to the implementation package. Eighty-two percent (309/377) accepted the web-based information. Of the 309 that accepted, 244 completed the pre-consultation survey. Participants were a median 59 years, white (98%), and highly educated (>50% with a college degree). Most patients who completed the questionnaire reported reviewing the website (85%), and nearly all found it helpful. Surgeons thought implementation increased visit efficiency (5/6) and would result in patients making more informed decisions (6/6). The most common reasons patients declined information were limited internet comfort or access (n = 36), emotional distress (n = 14), and preference to receive information directly from the surgeon (n = 7). Routine delivery of web-based information to breast cancer patients prior to the surgeon consultation is feasible. High stakeholder acceptability combined with the low implementation burden means that these findings have immediate relevance for improving care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan G Bruce
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer L Tucholka
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nicole M Steffens
- Denver Public Health, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jane E Mahoney
- Department of Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Heather B Neuman
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- , H4/726 CSC, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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Prasanth AS, Jayarajah U, Mohanappirian R, Seneviratne SA. Assessment of the quality of patient-oriented information over internet on testicular cancer. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:491. [PMID: 29716564 PMCID: PMC5930418 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to assess the quality and readability of patient education information available on the internet on testicular cancer. Methods Internet searches were performed using the keywords ‘testicular cancer’, ‘testicular tumour’, ‘testicular tumor’, ‘testicular malignancy’, ‘germ cell tumour’ and ‘germ cell tumor’ using Google, Yahoo! And Bing search engines with default settings. The first 50 web links appeared in each search engine were evaluated for their readability by using the validated Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) while accessibility, usability and reliability were assessed using the LIDA tool. The quality was assessed using DISCERN instrument. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Results Overall, 900 websites were assessed and 62 websites were included in the analysis. Twenty two (22) websites (35.5%) were certified by Health on the Net Foundation code of conduct (HON code). The majority (n = 57, 91.9%) were non-governmental websites. The median FRES score was 51.6 (range: 28.1–74.1), the overall median LIDA score was 115 (range: 81–147); accessibility 55 (range: 46–61), reliability 22 (range: 8–45) and usability 38.5 (range: 21–50), while the median DISCERN score was 43.5 (range: 16–69). The DISCERN score was significantly associated with the overall LIDA score and usability and reliability components of the LIDA score (p < 0.001). However, no significant associations were observed between readability and accessibility. A significant correlation was noted between usability and reliability components of the LIDA score (Spearman’s rho: 0.789, p < 0.001). Conclusion In this study, the readability, reliability and quality scores of most websites were found to be suboptimal and hence, there is potential for improvement. As the internet is expanding rapidly as a readily available source of information to the public, it is essential to implement steps to ensure that highest quality information is provided without any commercial motivation or bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton S Prasanth
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka
| | - Umesh Jayarajah
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 271, Kynsey Road, Colombo 8, Western Province, Sri Lanka.
| | | | - Sanjeewa A Seneviratne
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 271, Kynsey Road, Colombo 8, Western Province, Sri Lanka
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Colon cancer-induced interleukin-35 inhibits beta-catenin-mediated pro-oncogenic activity. Oncotarget 2017; 9:11989-11998. [PMID: 29552287 PMCID: PMC5844723 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and development of colon cancer is closely related to inflammation. Therefore, this study was conducted a current retrospective research to study the effect of IL-35 (interleukin 35), a newly identified anti-infective factor, on colon cancer development. The expression of IL-35 in colon cancer samples and their adjacent normal mucosa by real-time PCR, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The effect of IL-35 on patient survival, colon cancer progression, and its effect on Wnt/β-catenine signaling pathway was also assessed. IL-35 is minimally expressed in colon cancer tissues but is highly expressed in adjacent normal tissues. The down-regulation of IL-35 was significantly associated with the American Cancer Joint Committee stage and overall survival of colon cancer patients. The overexpression of IL-35 in colon cancer cells inhibits cell migration, invasion, proliferation, colony formation and cancer stem cells by inhibiting beta-catenin. IL-35 inhibits colon neoplasms in mouse. Our results suggest that IL-35 has an inhibitory effect on the development of colon cancer as a novel prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target.
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Baker DM, Marshall JH, Lee MJ, Jones GL, Brown SR, Lobo AJ. A Systematic Review of Internet Decision-Making Resources for Patients Considering Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2017; 23:1293-1300. [PMID: 28708807 DOI: 10.1097/mib.0000000000001198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidance from the Royal College of Surgeons advocates patient use of on-line resources to assist in decision making. Our aim was to assess the quality of on-line resources to facilitate decision making for patients considering surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS We undertook a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines. This was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42016047177). We searched Google and repositories using several lay search terms for patient information discussing surgery for UC, published in English. Quality of content on websites was assessed using the validated DISCERN instrument and by minimum standards for decision aids (IPDASi v4.0 checklist). Decision aids were also assessed by the IPDAS checklist. Readability of written content was ascertained using the Flesch-Kincaid score. RESULTS Our searches identified 175 websites and one decision aid-119 results were excluded at initial screen and 32 were excluded at full text assessment, leaving 25 sources for review. The mean Flesch-Kincaid score for websites was 44.9 (±9.73, range 28.1-61.4), suggesting material was difficult to read. No websites compared surgery to medical management or traded off patient preferences. The median IPDAS score was 5/12 (range 1-7). The median global score based on the DISCERN rating was 1/5 (range 1-5), identifying most websites as poor quality. The decision aid scored 9/12 on the IPDAS checklist, not meeting minimum standards. CONCLUSIONS Available information for patients considering surgery for UC is generally low quality. The development of a new decision aid to support patients considering surgery for UC is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Baker
- *The University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, United Kingdom; †Department of General Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, United Kingdom; ‡Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom; and §Academic Unit of Gastroenterology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Sacchi M, Yeung TM, Spinelli A, Mortensen NJ. Assessment of the quality of patient-orientated internet information on surgery for ulcerative colitis. Colorectal Dis 2015; 17:511-4. [PMID: 25510335 DOI: 10.1111/codi.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study examines the quality of websites providing information on ulcerative colitis, including treatment options and surgery. METHOD Two search engines (Google and Yahoo) and the search term 'surgery for ulcerative colitis' were used. The first 50 sites obtained with each search engine were assessed. Sites were evaluated for content and scored using the DISCERN instrument, which evaluates the quality of health information on treatment choices. RESULTS One hundred sites were examined, of which 14 were duplicates. Of the remainder, 58 provided patient-orientated information for adults and one site provided information for surgery in children. The other 27 sites included six scientific articles, three blogs, three links, six resources for clinicians, five fora, two video links and two dead links. Of the 58 websites that provided patient information for adults, only 26 (44.8%) had been updated within the last 2 years. Only 13/58 (22.4%) were affiliated to hospitals and clinics. Most sites (38/58, 65.5%) were associated with private companies with commercial interests. Although most websites contained information on symptoms and treatment options for ulcerative colitis, 37 (63.8%) did not describe any of the risks of surgery. Overall, only seven (12.1%) websites were identified as being 'good' or 'excellent' using the DISCERN criteria. CONCLUSION The quality of patient information on surgery for ulcerative colitis is highly variable. There is potential for internet provision of valuable information and clinicians should guide patients with to access high-quality websites.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sacchi
- Colon and Rectal Surgery Unit, Department of General Surgery, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - T M Yeung
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - A Spinelli
- Colon and Rectal Surgery Unit, Department of General Surgery, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - N J Mortensen
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
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Scott F, Sehgal A, Seghal A, Joshi HM, Yeung TM, Gosselink MP. Quality of patient information on the internet for the treatment of anal fistula and anal fissure. Tech Coloproctol 2014; 18:1181-3. [PMID: 25294731 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-014-1222-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F Scott
- Oxford University Medical School, Oxford, UK
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Yeung TM, D'Souza ND. Quality analysis of patient information on surgical treatment of haemorrhoids on the internet. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2013; 95:341-4. [PMID: 23838496 DOI: 10.1308/003588413x13629960045670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Haemorrhoids are the most common benign condition seen by colorectal surgeons. At clinic appointments, advice given about lifestyle modification or surgical interventions may not be understood fully by patients. Patients may use the internet for further research into their condition. However, the quality of such information has not been investigated before. This study assessed the quality of patient information on surgical treatment of haemorrhoids on the internet. METHODS Four searches were carried out using the search terms 'surgery for haemorrhoids' and 'surgery for piles' on two search engines (Google and Yahoo). The first 50 results for each search were assessed. Sites were evaluated using the DISCERN instrument. RESULTS In total, 200 websites were assessed, of which 144 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 63 (44%) were sponsored by herbal remedies for haemorrhoids. Eighty-nine (62%) mentioned conservative treatment options but eleven (8%) did not include surgery in their treatment options. Only 38 sites (27%) mentioned recurrence of haemorrhoids following surgery and 28 sites (20%) did not list any complications. Overall, 19 websites (14%) were judged as being of high quality, 66 (45%) as moderate quality and 58 (40%) as low quality. CONCLUSIONS The quality of information on the internet is highly variable and a significant proportion of websites assessed are poor. The majority of websites are sponsored by private companies selling alternative treatments for haemorrhoids. Clinicians should be prepared to advise their patients which websites can provide high-quality information on the surgical treatment of haemorrhoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Yeung
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK.
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Health-related information gathering practices in breast and colorectal specialty clinics: the end of the electronic divide? Am J Surg 2010; 199:364-7; discussion 367-8. [PMID: 20226911 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2009] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related information can help patients understand their disease process and make informed decisions. We hypothesize that with the increased availability of Web-based resources, sociodemographic factors no longer impact Internet use among patients. METHODS Study-specific surveys were administered to a convenience cohort of patients seen in the breast and colorectal specialty clinics at a single academic institution between August 2008 and February 2009. RESULTS One hundred ninety-four surveys were returned (response rate 80%). Median age was 53 years (range 19-88) with 131 (75%) females. Twenty-six percent of patients were college graduates and 59% reported an annual income greater than $50,000. There was no association between Internet use and age, gender, income, or educational level. CONCLUSION Web-based information is being increasingly used by patients irrespective of their demographic characteristics. These resources can therefore be used to educate patients about their disease, treatment options, and health maintenance.
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Neuman H, Robbins L, Duarte J, Charlson M, Weiser M, Guillem J, Wong W, Temple L. Risk-reducing surgery in FAP: Role for surgeons beyond the incision. J Surg Oncol 2010; 101:570-6. [DOI: 10.1002/jso.21556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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