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Baumgartner MK, Behr AL, Garbe AC, Quatember C, Reutter H, Woelfle J, Fahlbusch FB, Hanslik G. Diving into the Digital Landscape: Assessing the Quality of Online Information on Neonatal Jaundice for Parents. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:877. [PMID: 39062327 PMCID: PMC11275572 DOI: 10.3390/children11070877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in newborns. While mild cases of jaundice are common and typically resolve spontaneously, severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to serious neurologic complications if left untreated. With the constant adaptation of guidelines, clinical management has significantly improved, and treatment has become routine for pediatricians. However, for parents of affected children, managing the condition is not routine. In today's digital age, parents often seek additional information by accessing a wide range of medical resources on the internet. While this can be empowering, it also presents challenges, as the quality and accuracy of online medical information can vary widely. Therefore, we analyzed the current quality of information on jaundice found on the internet by parents. METHODS A simulated internet search (using the Google search engine) was conducted from a layperson's perspective using German ("Neugeborenes Gelbsucht", "Baby Gelbsucht") and English ("jaundice newborn", "jaundice baby") search terms. Subsequently, the quality of the search results was assessed by two independent neonatologists based on the DISCERN Plus Score, HONcode certification, and the JAMA criteria. RESULTS Websites targeting non-medical laypersons exhibited significant variability in quality. Notably, the content of English websites was superior to that of websites in the German language. The majority of English sites were predominantly institutional, whereas most German sites were commercially oriented. CONCLUSIONS Although information on jaundice is readily accessible online for non-medical individuals, there were notable differences in quality based on language and significant variability in the quality of information warranting attention from healthcare professionals. Furthermore, German websites providing information on jaundice were often hosted by commercial organizations. We propose that pediatric societies engage in developing and maintaining organization-based medical information to improve online resources for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karl Baumgartner
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.K.B.); (G.H.)
- Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Behr
- Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anne Christina Garbe
- Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Quatember
- Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Reutter
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.K.B.); (G.H.)
| | - Joachim Woelfle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian Benedikt Fahlbusch
- Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Gregor Hanslik
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.K.B.); (G.H.)
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Halboub E, Al-Ak’hali MS, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Alhajj MN. Quality and readability of web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19: an infodemiological study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:151. [PMID: 33461516 PMCID: PMC7812558 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study sought to assess the quality and readability of web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19. METHODS Three search engines were searched on 13 April 2020 for specific Arabic terms on COVID-19. The first 100 consecutive websites from each engine were analyzed for eligibility, which resulted in a sample of 36 websites. These websites were subjected to quality assessments using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks tool, the DISCERN tool, and Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode) certification. The readability of the websites was assessed using an online readability calculator. RESULTS Among the 36 eligible websites, only one (2.7%) was HONcode certified. No website attained a high score based on the criteria of the DISCERN tool; the mean score of all websites was 31.5 ± 12.55. As regards the JAMA benchmarks results, a mean score of 2.08 ± 1.05 was achieved by the websites; however, only four (11.1%) met all the JAMA criteria. The average grade levels for readability were 7.2 ± 7.5, 3.3 ± 0.6 and 93.5 ± 19.4 for the Flesch Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, and Flesch Reading Ease scales, respectively. CONCLUSION Almost all of the most easily accessible web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19 does not meet recognized quality standards regardless of the level of readability and ability to be understood by the general population of Arabic speakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esam Halboub
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
| | - Mohammed Sultan Al-Ak’hali
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
| | - Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi
- Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Becker M, Kasper S, Böckmann B, Jöckel KH, Virchow I. Natural language processing of German clinical colorectal cancer notes for guideline-based treatment evaluation. Int J Med Inform 2019; 127:141-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Radiotherapy for prostate cancer: DISCERN quality assessment of patient-oriented websites in 2018. BMC Urol 2019; 19:42. [PMID: 31138209 PMCID: PMC6537434 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-019-0474-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Radiotherapy represents one major treatment option in different therapeutic settings. As patients increasingly rely on internet-based medical information, we examined the quality of information on radiotherapy and prostate cancer in websites used by laypersons. METHODS An Internet search from a patients` perspective was carried out using different search engines (Google, Yahoo and Bing, search terms: "prostate cancer" and "radiotherapy"). The quality of search results was analyzed with regard to the DISCERN score, HON code certification, the JAMA criteria and the ALEXA traffic rank. RESULTS In general, websites were of good quality. The highest quality was found for websites operated by charity organizations. No significant differences in results obtained via the above-mentioned tools were seen for the examined search engines, but Google revealed the most stable search results in terms of temporal changes. CONCLUSION Patients with prostate cancer can sufficiently inform themselves on general treatment options including radiotherapy on websites directed at laypersons. However, no simple strategy could identify high quality websites in general. For treating physicians, it is important to support patients in interpreting and ranking the vast quantity of information.
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Névéol A, Dalianis H, Velupillai S, Savova G, Zweigenbaum P. Clinical Natural Language Processing in languages other than English: opportunities and challenges. J Biomed Semantics 2018; 9:12. [PMID: 29602312 PMCID: PMC5877394 DOI: 10.1186/s13326-018-0179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural language processing applied to clinical text or aimed at a clinical outcome has been thriving in recent years. This paper offers the first broad overview of clinical Natural Language Processing (NLP) for languages other than English. Recent studies are summarized to offer insights and outline opportunities in this area. Main Body We envision three groups of intended readers: (1) NLP researchers leveraging experience gained in other languages, (2) NLP researchers faced with establishing clinical text processing in a language other than English, and (3) clinical informatics researchers and practitioners looking for resources in their languages in order to apply NLP techniques and tools to clinical practice and/or investigation. We review work in clinical NLP in languages other than English. We classify these studies into three groups: (i) studies describing the development of new NLP systems or components de novo, (ii) studies describing the adaptation of NLP architectures developed for English to another language, and (iii) studies focusing on a particular clinical application. Conclusion We show the advantages and drawbacks of each method, and highlight the appropriate application context. Finally, we identify major challenges and opportunities that will affect the impact of NLP on clinical practice and public health studies in a context that encompasses English as well as other languages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Névéol
- LIMSI, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Rue John von Neumann, Paris, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | | | - Sumithra Velupillai
- School of Computer Science and Communication, KTH, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Guergana Savova
- Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pierre Zweigenbaum
- LIMSI, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Rue John von Neumann, Paris, F-91405 Orsay, France
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Janssen S, Käsmann L, Fahlbusch FB, Rades D, Vordermark D. Side effects of radiotherapy in breast cancer patients. Strahlenther Onkol 2017; 194:136-142. [DOI: 10.1007/s00066-017-1197-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Kostova Z, Caiata-Zufferey M, Schulz PJ. Can social support work virtually? Evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis patients' experiences with an interactive online tool. Pain Res Manag 2015; 20:199-209. [PMID: 26252664 PMCID: PMC4532206 DOI: 10.1155/2015/497512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is strong empirical evidence that the support that chronic patients receive from their environment is fundamental for the way they cope with physical and psychological suffering. Nevertheless, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), providing the appropriate social support is still a challenge, and such support has often proven to be elusive and unreliable in helping patients to manage the disease. OBJECTIVES To explore whether and how social support for RA patients can be provided online, and to assess the conditions under which such support is effective. An online support tool was designed to provide patients with both tailored information and opportunities to interact online with health professionals and fellow sufferers. The general purpose was to identify where the support provided did - or did not - help patients, and to judge whether the determinants of success lay more within patients - their engagement and willingness to participate - or within the design of the website itself. METHODS The present study reports qualitative interviews with 19 users of the tool. A more specific purpose was to elaborate qualitatively on results from a quantitative survey of users, which indicated that any positive impact was confined to practical matters of pain management rather than extending to more fundamental psychological outcomes such as acceptance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Overall, online learning and interaction can do much to help patients with the everyday stresses of their disease; however, its potential for more durable positive impact depends on various individual characteristics such as personality traits, existing social networks, and the severity and longevity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatina Kostova
- Institute of Communication and Health, University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Peter J Schulz
- Institute of Communication and Health, University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
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Littlechild SA, Barr L. Using the Internet for information about breast cancer: a questionnaire-based study. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2013; 92:413-417. [PMID: 23891419 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2013.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the proportion of breast cancer patients that used the Internet for breast cancer information; to classify patterns of use based on patient demographics; and to evaluate whether using the Internet for this purpose was beneficial or problematic. Also to recognize whether a specific demographic group was more likely to experience problems when using the Internet for breast cancer information. METHODS A 10-item questionnaire was given to patients who attended the breast unit at the University Hospital of South Manchester between May and June 2011 following breast cancer treatment within the last 5 years. RESULTS 200 questionnaires were completed. 50.5% of patients had used the Internet for breast cancer information, with younger (p<0.001) patients with a higher household income (p<0.001) being most likely to do so. The majority (73%) found it beneficial; however 31% had experienced problems. Ethnicity affected the likelihood of experiencing problems with white patients encountering fewer problems (25%) than non-white patients (64%) (p=0.008). CONCLUSION A significant proportion of breast cancer patients will encounter difficulties when using the Internet for breast cancer information, particularly those from ethnic minorities. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health professionals need to include a discussion about Internet use in consultations with breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Anna Littlechild
- Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Longo DR, Ge B, Radina ME, Greiner A, Williams CD, Longo GS, Mouzon DM, Natale-Pereira A, Salas-Lopez D. Understanding breast-cancer patients' perceptions: Health information-seeking behaviour and passive information receipt. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/cih.2009.2.2.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Schulz PJ, Rubinelli S, Mariotti G, Keller N. Meeting the ranging of informational needs of chronic low back pain sufferers: Conceptual design and rationale of the interactive website ONESELF. Disabil Rehabil 2009; 31:2118-24. [DOI: 10.3109/09638280902943231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Schulz
- Institute of Communication and Health, University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Sara Rubinelli
- Institute of Communication and Health, University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Guido Mariotti
- Lega Ticinese per la Lotta contro il Reumatismo, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Keller
- Lega Ticinese per la Lotta contro il Reumatismo, Switzerland
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Marschollek M, Mix S, Wolf KH, Effertz B, Haux R, Steinhagen-Thiessen E. ICT-based health information services for elderly people: Past experiences, current trends, and future strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 32:251-61. [PMID: 18072003 DOI: 10.1080/14639230701692736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Street AF, Swift K, Annells M, Woodruff R, Gliddon T, Oakley A, Ottman G. Developing a web-based information resource for palliative care: an action-research inspired approach. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2007; 7:26. [PMID: 17854509 PMCID: PMC2194759 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6947-7-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2006] [Accepted: 09/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background General Practitioners and community nurses rely on easily accessible, evidence-based online information to guide practice. To date, the methods that underpin the scoping of user-identified online information needs in palliative care have remained under-explored. This paper describes the benefits and challenges of a collaborative approach involving users and experts that informed the first stage of the development of a palliative care website [1]. Method The action research-inspired methodology included a panel assessment of an existing palliative care website based in Victoria, Australia; a pre-development survey (n = 197) scoping potential audiences and palliative care information needs; working parties conducting a needs analysis about necessary information content for a redeveloped website targeting health professionals and caregivers/patients; an iterative evaluation process involving users and experts; as well as a final evaluation survey (n = 166). Results Involving users in the identification of content and links for a palliative care website is time-consuming and requires initial resources, strong networking skills and commitment. However, user participation provided crucial information that led to the widened the scope of the website audience and guided the development and testing of the website. The needs analysis underpinning the project suggests that palliative care peak bodies need to address three distinct audiences (clinicians, allied health professionals as well as patients and their caregivers). Conclusion Web developers should pay close attention to the content, language, and accessibility needs of these groups. Given the substantial cost associated with the maintenance of authoritative health information sites, the paper proposes a more collaborative development in which users can be engaged in the definition of content to ensure relevance and responsiveness, and to eliminate unnecessary detail. Access to volunteer networks forms an integral part of such an approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette F Street
- Clinical School of Nursing, La Trobe University/Austin Health, Lv 4 Austin Tower, Heidelberg VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Kathleen Swift
- Clinical School of Nursing, La Trobe University/Austin Health, Lv 4 Austin Tower, Heidelberg VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Merilyn Annells
- Nursing & Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Roger Woodruff
- Director of Palliative Care Austin Health, Suit 9, 210 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Terry Gliddon
- Research and Development, Royal District Nursing Services, 31 Alma Rd, St. Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
| | - Anne Oakley
- CEO, Melbourne City Mission, 471 Nicholson St., North Fitzroy VIC 3068, Australia
| | - Goetz Ottman
- Clinical School of Nursing, La Trobe University/Austin Health, Lv 4 Austin Tower, Heidelberg VIC 3084, Australia
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Addressing Online Information Needs in Palliative Care: An Action Research-Inspired Approach. SYSTEMIC PRACTICE AND ACTION RESEARCH 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s11213-006-9057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Weissenberger C, Müller D, Beranek-Chiu J, Neumann M, Jonassen S, Bartelt S, Schulz S, Witucki G, Henne K, Geissler M, Fogel J. Gastrointestinal cancer web sites: how do they address patients' concerns? Int J Colorectal Dis 2006; 21:615-24. [PMID: 16437212 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-005-0046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2005] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We studied the quality of web sites containing information on gastrointestinal cancer, focusing on the way these web sites dealt with the special concerns of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Searching the Internet for German-language gastroenterological cancer web sites, we collected 9,947 web pages from 14 search engines. Evaluation was done with a 36-item questionnaire. Information quality, availability of the web sites, and web site attributes considering patients' concerns and potential embarrassment were analyzed using a scoring system. RESULTS Belonging to 165 web sites, 1,763 of 9,947 (17.7%) web pages found by search engines provided relevant information. Five hundred forty-seven (5.5%) hits were partly relevant, and 7,637 (76.8%) were irrelevant or not available. Most web sites reported about surgery (92.1%), chemotherapy (88.5%), and radiotherapy (73.9%). Of the web sites, 46.7% (n=77), 34.6% (n=57), and 21.8% (n=36) gave information about the author(s) itself, their qualifications, and references of their information, respectively. Search engines ranked web sites giving no information on evidence-based medicine higher than other web sites, whereas web sites providing this information accurately showed higher link popularities. Patients' concerns and potential embarrassment were best addressed by gastrointestinal web sites initiated by private individuals or web sites directed to both a patient and physician audience. CONCLUSIONS With regard to gastrointestinal cancer web sites, many search engines may be ineffective, and patient emotional needs and concerns are often disregarded. Also, physicians should guide their patients through the Internet to find high-quality information and use link-popularity-based search strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Weissenberger
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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