Knee osteotomy: Quality tools and readability data of information on the internet

Quality and Readability of Spanish-Language Online Information for Aortic Aneurysm and Its Endovascular Treatment

BACKGROUND

Aortic aneurysms represent a chronic degenerative disease with life-threatening implications. In order for patients to comprehend health related information, it must be written at a level that can be readily understood.

STUDY DESIGN

In January 2023, we searched "aneurisma aorta" and "endoprótesis aorta" terms on Google, Yahoo and Microsoft/Bing. The 31th websites provided by each search engine were analyzed. Four readability measures were used to evaluate websites regarding aortic aneurysm and their endovascular treatment in Spanish language: Flesch Index, Flesch-Szigriszt Index, Fernández-Huerta Index and grading Inflesz scale. The quality on information was evaluated by the HONcode seal, the DISCERN instrument and the JAMA benchmark criteria.

RESULTS

180 websites containing the terms "aneurisma aorta" and "endoprótesis aorta" were analyzed. Among the websites retrieved, the mean Flesh index score (53.12 ± 6.09 and 47.48 ± 7.12, respectively; P = .019), the Flesch-Szigriszt index (56.39 ± 5.72 and 48.10 ± 8.33; P = .000), and the Fernández Huerta index (61.30 ± 5.59 and 53.19 ± 8.21; P = .000), corresponding to a "somewhat difficult" readability level. In addition, the Inflesz scale (2.62 ± .59 and 2.07 ± .61; P = .000) reported a "somewhat difficult" readability, higher for the websites regarding aortic aneurysm. The HONcode seal was only presented in websites regarding aortic aneurysm (16.7%), whereas none of the websites relating to aortic endoprostheses presented it (0%) (P = .000). Websites that presented the HONcode seal obtained higher DISCERN score (P = .000, 95% CI = 6.42-16.84) and JAMA score (P = .000, 95% CI = 3.44-11.32).

CONCLUSION

Internet information on aortic aneurysms and aortic endoprostheses is too difficult to read for the general Spanish-speaking population and is lacking in quality.

The Effect of Education Planned According to Health Literacy Level on Functionality, Problems Experienced, and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement: A Nonrandomized Comparison Group Intervention Study

Total knee arthroplasty procedures significantly improve quality of life for persons with debilitating pain. It is essential to plan patient education according to the level of health literacy. This nonrandomized comparison group intervention study examines the effect of education planned according to health literacy level on functionality, postoperative problems (pain and anxiety), and quality of life in patients who undergo total knee replacement. During the study, patients in the intervention group (n = 51) were provided with the planned patient education according to their health literacy level, whereas patients in the comparison group were given routine care (n = 51). Patients in the postoperative intervention group experienced fewer problems (p < .05). Education tailored to patients' health literacy levels had a positive effect on their functionality and quality of life (p < .05). Our findings suggest planning education according to patient health literacy levels may have a positive influence on functionality, postoperative problems, and quality of life among patients undergoing total knee replacement.

Patient education information material assessment criteria: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Patient education information material (PEIM) is an essential component of patient education programs in increasing patients' ability to cope with their diseases. Therefore, it is essential to consider the criteria that will be used to prepare and evaluate these resources.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to identify these criteria and recognize the tools or methods used to evaluate them.

METHODS

National and international databases and indexing banks, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, the Cochrane Library, Magiran, SID and ISC, were searched for this review. Original or review articles, theses, short surveys, and conference papers published between January 1990 and June 2022 were included.

RESULTS

Overall, 4688 documents were retrieved, of which 298 documents met the inclusion criteria. The criteria were grouped into 24 overarching criteria. The most frequently used criteria were readability, quality, suitability, comprehensibility and understandability.

CONCLUSION

This review has provided empirical evidence to identify criteria, tools, techniques or methods for developing or evaluating a PEIM. The authors suggest that developing a comprehensive tool based on these findings is critical for evaluating the overall efficiency of PEIM using effective criteria.

Quality and readability of online information on idiopathic subglottic stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISS) is a chronic condition characterized by disease recurrence and multiple surgeries. These frustrated patients may utilize the internet to research their condition. The aim of this study was to determine the quality and readability of online ISS information.

METHODS

"Idiopathic subglottic stenosis" was entered into Google. The first 50 websites that met inclusion criteria were extracted. The DISCERN instrument, Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) assessed the quality and readability, respectively. Means, SDs, Pearson correlation coefficients, and two-tailed Student's t-test were calculated.

RESULTS

The 50 websites consisted of 17 patient-targeted and 33 professional-targeted websites, plus 30 major and 20 minor websites. The overall DISCERN, FRES, and FKGL scores were 2.81 ± 0.99, 27.75 ± 15.27, and 13.65 ± 2.79, respectively (mean ± SD). Patient-targeted websites had significantly lower quality (DISCERN [P < .00]) but were easier to read (lower FKGL [P < .00], higher FRES [P < .00]) than professional-targeted websites. Minor websites had a significantly lower quality (DISCERN [P < 0.00]) but were easier to read (lower FKGL [P < .00], higher FRES [P < .00]) than major websites. There was a positive correlation between overall quality and difficulty in readability.

CONCLUSION

The quality of online ISS information was suboptimal. Resources were too difficult to comprehend and readability scores were above AMA and NIH recommendations. Improved online information is required to properly educate this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.