Assessment of the quality of information on treatment of keratoconus on YouTube

Assessment of the Quality, Reliability, and Popularity of Information About Retinoblastoma on YouTube

PURPOSE

To evaluate the quality, reliability, and popularity of YouTube videos addressing retinoblastoma.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, register-based study. A YouTube search was performed using the keyword retinoblastoma and the first 100 videos that came out were included in the study. Duplicate videos, videos that were not in English, and videos that were less than 1 minute were excluded. The number of views, likes, dislikes, comments, video type (uploaded by physicians, uploaded by public or private institution, uploaded by health channel or uploaded by patients), and country of origin were evaluated for all videos. The popularity of the videos was evaluated with the Video Power Index. The quality of the videos was measured using the DISCERN score (DISCERN), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and Global Quality Score (GQS).

RESULTS

Of the 100 videos, 70 videos met the criteria and were included in the study. The mean DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores were 42.54 ± 18.77, 2.14 ± 1.03, 2.87 ± 1.42 and 2.99 ± 1.44, respectively. On examining the upload source 18 (25.7%) videos were uploaded by private institutions, 15 (21.4%) videos by physicians, 14 (20.0%) videos by public institutions, 14 (20.0%) videos by health channels, and 9 (12.9%) videos by patients. There was a significant level of agreement between the two commentators evaluating the videos with a power of 91.6% (kappa score: 0.916). Videos uploaded by physicians and public or private institutions had significantly higher DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The content of YouTube videos regarding retinoblastoma is generally of moderate quality for patients. Increasing the number of videos uploaded by physicians and public or private institutions will increase the quality, reliability, and informative value of the videos. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2025;62(1):33-38.].

Evaluating the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on myopia: a video content analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos as an educational resource about myopia.

METHODS

The videos were identified by searching YouTube with the keywords 'myopia' and 'nearsightedness', using the website's default search settings. The number of views, likes, dislikes, view ratio, source of the upload, country of origin, video type, and described treatment techniques were assessed. Each video was evaluated using the DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP), Health On the Net Code of Conduct Certification (HONcode), and the Global Quality Score (GQS) scales.

RESULTS

A total of 112 videos were included. The classification of videos by source indicated that the top three contributors were health channels (30 videos [26.8%]), physicians (24 videos [21.4%]), and academic centers (19 videos [16.9%]). Most of these videos originated from the United States (74 videos [66.1%]) and focused on the pathophysiology (n = 89, 79.4%) and the treatment (n = 77, 68.7%) of myopia. Statistical comparisons among the groups of video sources showed no significant difference in the mean DISCERN score (p = 0.102). However, significant differences were noted in the JAMA (p = 0.011), GQS (p = 0.009), HONcode (p = 0.011), and EQIP (p = 0.002) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscored the variability in the quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to myopia, with most content ranging from 'weak to moderate' quality based on the DISCERN and GQS scales, yet appearing to be 'excellent' according to the HONcode and EQIP scales. Videos uploaded by physicians generally exhibited higher standards, highlighting the importance of expert involvement in online health information dissemination. Given the potential risks of accessing incorrect medical data that can affect the decision-making processes of patients, caution should be exercised when using online content as a source of information.

A quality analysis of internet patient information for immediate, sequential, bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS)

BACKGROUND

Due to surgical capacity pressures, induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, immediate bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery (ISBCS) has been utilised increasingly throughout the U.K. This surgical method comes with both novel risks and benefits, so the consent process must be modified. Prior randomised trials have demonstrated that appropriate online information may act as an adjunct to the surgical consent process. This study aims to assess the quality of available internet information for ISBCS.

METHODS

Terms searched were 'bilateral cataract surgery patient information', 'double cataract surgery patient information', and 'immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery patient information'. The Google search engine was used. The DISCERN instrument and JAMA benchmarks were used to assess healthcare information for quality. The Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRE), Flesch Kincaid Grade (FKG) Level and Gunning Fog Score (GFS) were used to assess for readability. HONcode certification was used to assess transparency and quality.

RESULTS

Forty-six websites were found. The average DISCERN score was 41.3, meaning a "fair" quality which is below what many patients would anticipate discovering when trying to find information. National Healthcare Service websites had higher DISCERN scores than private healthcare-provided websites (p < 0.01; 95% CI: 1.13-1.88.).

CONCLUSIONS

Fair patient information for ISBCS has been demonstrated. Specific internet information sources with appropriate information should be further developed, with cited sources, and patients signposted to them if felt appropriate.

Evaluation of YouTube As A Source For Graves' Disease Information: Is High-Quality Guideline-Based Information Available?

Objective

To understand the quality of informational Graves' disease (GD) videos on YouTube for treatment decision-making quality and inclusion of American Thyroid Association (ATA) treatment guidelines.

Study Design

Cross-sectional cohort.

Setting

Informational YouTube videos with subject matter "Graves' Disease treatment."

Method

The top 50 videos based on our query were assessed using the DISCERN instrument. This validated algorithm discretely rates treatment-related information from excellent (≥4.5) to very poor (<1.9). Videos were also screened for ATA guideline inclusion. Descriptive statistics were used for cohort characterization. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions characterized factors associated with DISCERN scores. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

The videos featured 57,513.43 views (SD = 162,579.25), 1054.70 likes (SD = 2329.77), and 168.80 comments (SD = 292.97). Most were patient education (52%) or patient experience (24%). A minority (40%) were made by thyroid specialists (endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, or otolaryngologists). Under half did not mention all 3 treatment modalities (44%), and 54% did not mention any ATA recommendations. Overall, videos displayed poor reliability (mean = 2.26, SD = 0.67), treatment information quality (mean = 2.29, SD = 0.75), and overall video quality (mean = 2.47, SD = 1.07). Physician videos were associated with lower likes, views, and comments (P < .001) but higher DISCERN reliability (P = .015) and overall score (P = .019). Longer videos (P = .015), patient accounts (P = .013), and patient experience (P = .002) were associated with lower scores.

Conclusion

The most available GD treatment content on YouTube varies significantly in the quality of medical information. This may contribute to suboptimal disease understanding, especially for patients highly engaged with online health information sources.

Assessing Laryngectomy Patient Education on YouTube: Investigating Quality and Reliability

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the quality of laryngectomy-related patient education on YouTube and understand factors impacting video content quality.

Study Design

Cross-sectional cohort analysis.

Setting

Laryngectomy-related videos on YouTube.

Methods

YouTube was anonymously queried for various laryngectomy procedure search terms. Video quality was evaluated using the validated DISCERN instrument which assesses treatment-related information quality. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize our cohort. Univariate and multivariable linear regression were used to assess factors associated with increased DISCERN score. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Our 78-video cohort exhibited moderate levels of engagement, averaging 13,028.40 views (SD = 24,246.93), 69.79 likes (SD = 163.75), and 5.27 comments (SD = 18.81). Videos were most frequently uploaded to accounts belonging to physicians (43.59%) or health care groups (41.03%) and showcased operations (52.56%) or physician-led education (20.51%). Otolaryngologists were featured in most videos (85.90%), and most videos originated outside the United States (67.95%). Laryngectomy videos demonstrated poor reliability (mean = 2.35, SD = 0.77), quality of treatment information (mean = 1.92, SD = 0.86), and overall video quality (mean = 1.97, SD = 1.12). In multivariable linear regression, operative videos were associated with lower video quality relative to nonoperative videos (β = -1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-2.03 to -1.24], P < .001); the opposite was true for videos from accounts with higher subscriber counts (β = 0.02, 95% CI = [0.01-0.03], P = .005).

Conclusion

The quality and quantity of YouTube's laryngectomy educational content is limited. There is an acute need to increase the quantity and quality of online laryngectomy-related content to better support patients and caregivers as they cope with their diagnosis, prepare for, and recover from surgery.

Quality and educational content of Douyin and TikTok short videos on early screening of rectal cancer

Background and Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the quality and content of videos on Douyin and TikTok for their educational role on early screening of rectal cancer (RC).

Methods

We conducted a search for videos related to RC on the Douyin and TikTok applications on 20 April 2023. The search was conducted in Chinese on Douyin and in English and Japanese on TikTok. A sample of the first 100 videos recommended by the software was selected for each language group. The content of the videos was evaluated using a content scorecard, while the quality of the videos was assessed using DISCERN. Subsequently, we conducted two partial correlations: one between the DISCERN score and the number of likes, and another between the video content score and the number of likes.

Results

This study encompassed a total of 89 Chinese, 54 English, and 51 Japanese videos. After selection, 78 Chinese, 38 English, and 25 Japanese videos were identified to contain content related to early screening for RC, prompting further quality assessment. Notably, videos in the Chinese language showed the highest DISCERN score (P < 0.05). In terms of partial correlation analysis, it was observed that both the content score and DISCERN score did not show a significant correlation with the number of likes (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In terms of quality score and content score, the Chinese videos on Douyin show superiority over the English and Japanese videos on TikTok. However, there is potential for improving the overall appeal of the Chinese videos.

Quality analysis of YouTube videos about thyroid orbitopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos about Thyroid Orbitopathy.

METHODS

A YouTube search was performed using the keyword 'Graves eye disease', 'thyroid eye disease', 'thyroid orbitopathy', 'thyroid ophtalmopathy' in the search bar of YouTube. The first 50 videos were analyzed for each keywords, and the first 100 videos that came out were included in the study. The numbers of views, likes, dislikes, comments, daily viewing rate (number of views per day), uploaded source, country of origin, video type (patient experience, scholarly information), and described treatment technique were evaluated for all videos. They were also evaluated regarding their DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), global quality score (GQS) and usefulness score by two independent ophthalmologists.

RESULTS

Of the top 100 videos, 94 videos met the criteria. The mean DISCERN, JAMA, GQS and usefulness score were 55.27 ± 16.57, 3.04 ± 0.64, 3.44 ± 0.93 and 3.23 ± 1.1. If we look at the upload source 53 (56.4%) videos were uploaded by physicians, 30 (31.9%) videos by institutions/private health institutions, 7 (7.4%) videos by health channels, 4 (4.3%) videos by patients. All scoring systems showed a statistically significant and strong positive correlation with each other (p < 0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation between viewing rate, likes and comments was observed. As the duration of the video increased, a significant increase in the scores in other scores was observed.

CONCLUSION

We observed that the tests we used in the scoring were correlated with each other. Most of the thyroid orbitopathy videos on YouTube were of good quality. Ophthalmologists should guide their patients who want to get information on YouTube to watch videos uploaded by health care professionals.

Evaluation of the Reliability and Quality of YouTube Videos on Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Introduction Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) causes excessive eye tearing or mucoid discharge. Twenty percent of one-year-olds globally have CNLDO. There are many sources that offer information to parents. This study evaluates the quality and accuracy of CNLDO-related YouTube videos. Methods The first 100 videos that appeared after typing "congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction" in the YouTube search engine were evaluated. These videos were also analyzed and scored using the DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and Global Quality Scoring (GQS) systems. Results Forty videos met the inclusion criteria. The mean DISCERN score was 47.3 ± 9.15, JAMA was 1.72 ± 0.87, and GQS was 3.1 ± 0.81. The duration of the videos uploaded by the non-physician group was significantly longer (p = 0.04). In addition, the JAMA score of the videos uploaded by the physician group was significantly higher than that of the other group (p = 0.03). Theoretical videos were longer than surgical videos (p = 0.02). DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores were statistically higher in the theoretical video group (p = 0.002, p = 0.04, and p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion According to our research, the quality of YouTube videos about congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is average. This information source can be improved by making videos with more detailed information about the disease and theoretical information, as well as by having health professionals look over the content that has been uploaded.

What Hundreds of Millions of Patients With Dry Eye Will Find on YouTube: A Quality and Reliability Research of the YouTube Videos

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic features, quality, and reliability of YouTube videos addressing dry eye disease (DED).

METHODS

The term "dry eye disease" has been searched on YouTube. The first 500 videos that emerged using the defined search term were evaluated. Duplicated-split videos, videos shorter than 60 seconds, videos with a language other than English or videos with an unintelligible English accent, and videos unrelated to DED were excluded. Video uploaders, types, origins, durations, and viewer interactions of the videos were noted. DISCERN, the Global Quality Score, and the Video Quality Score (created by the authors) were used to evaluate the video quality.

RESULTS

Of the 500 videos, 262 videos were excluded, and the remaining 238 videos were evaluated. Videos were of moderate quality on all 3 scoring systems. The medical institute and academic society videos had the highest quality (P < 0.05). The quality of videos uploaded by physicians was significantly lower than medical institute and academic society videos and was higher than the others (P < 0.05). User interactions and video duration were weakly positively correlated with the video quality (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among YouTube videos on DED, only a minority are of good or excellent quality. Videos uploaded by medical institutes or academic societies scored higher in quality than those uploaded by physicians, which, in turn, scored higher than those uploaded by all others. User interactions were weakly correlated with quality values, suggesting user interactions are not good indicators of the quality of YouTube videos on DED.