scholarly journals Evaluation of French-language internet sites dealing with multiple sclerosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 205521731665241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Guéguen ◽  
Elisabeth Maillart ◽  
Thibault Gallice ◽  
Bashar Allaf
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
French Language ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Internet Searches ◽  
Ranking Index

Background Information available on the internet has changed patient–neurologist relationships. Its evaluation for multiple sclerosis is only partial, regardless of the language used. Objective We aim to evaluate the content quality and ranking indexes of French-language sites dealing with multiple sclerosis. Methods Two French terms and three search engines were used to identify the sites whose ranking indexes were calculated according to their positions on each page designated by the search engines. Three evaluators used the DISCERN questionnaire to assess the content quality of the 25 selected sites. The sites were classified according to the mean of the evaluators’ grades. Grading agreement between evaluators was calculated. Ranking indexes were computed as a rank/100. Results Content level was deemed mediocre, with poor referencing of the information provided. The naïve and two expert evaluators’ grades differed. Content quality disparity was found within the different website categories, except for institutional sites. No correlation was found between content quality and ranking index. Conclusion The information available was heterogeneous. Physicians should guide patients in their internet searches for information so that they can benefit from good-quality input which is potentially able to improve their management.

Level of Evidence as a Future Gold Standard for the Content Quality of Health Resources on the Internet

2003 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 220-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Amsallem ◽  
M. Haugh ◽  
B. Lukacs ◽  
V. Leroux ◽  
B. Thirion ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Resources ◽  
French Language ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sensitive Information ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Internet Resources ◽  
Significant Difference

Summary Objective: An assessment of the quality of health information on the Internet is an absolute necessity. In this study ‘sensitive’ information was defined as information found in documents published on the Internet, which could be used in a medical decision. For sensitive information, the main criterion chosen for the quality of the information was an indication of the level of evidence. A survey was conducted using the CISMeF health catalogue to assess how often a score of the level of evidence is mentioned in the information accessible on the Internet in French-language health resources. Methods: Since 1999, members of the CISMeF team have systematically been searching for all documents containing ‘sensitive’ information and verifying whether the level of evidence was explicitly indicated as a score at least once in the document. Results: As of June 2001, 10,190 resources were included in CISMeF; including 2964 textual ‘sensitive’ resources (29.1%). Out of all these resources, only 4.7% (95% confidence interval: 4.0 - 5.5%) indicated the level of evidence. A statistically significant difference in the prevalence of indicating the level of evidence according to resource types (e.g., 18.1% for guidelines compared to 0.0% for teaching material), year of publication (almost three times greater in 1997-2001 compared with 1990-1996) and publishers was observed. Conclusion: As the number of people accessing the growing amount of information on the Internet is increasing daily, publishers have an ethical obligation to inform their readers about the validity of ‘sensitive’ information their sites contain. However, the vast majority of the French language Internet resources that were surveyed do not mention a score of the level of evidence for their sensitive information.

scholarly journals Role of Information Available Over the Internet: What are the Parents of Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy Likely to Find?

2008 ◽  
Vol 90 (7) ◽  
pp. 601-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Roshan ◽  
S Agarwal ◽  
RJA England
Keyword(s):  
Search Engines ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Internet Searches ◽  
Role Of Information

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to assess the quality of information available on the world wide web to parents of children undergoing tonsillectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The main data source was from internet searches using the five most popular search engines and the keyword ‘tonsillectomy’ with default settings. The first 50 web links in each search were evaluated with the LIDA Instrument (assessing accessibility, usability and reliability criteria). We also assessed the readability of the sites using the Flesch reading ease score (FRES). RESULTS Of the 250 possible links, 113 new links were included the remaining being repetitions, inactive links or restricted access sites. The websites had an average accessibility score of 42/63 (66.7%; range, 26–57), a usability score of 29/54 (53.7%; range, 7–49), and are liability score of 17/51 (33.3%; range, 0–49). The Flesch reading ease score was 43.8 (range, 3–84.4). CONCLUSIONS Health information available on the internet varies greatly. Highly ranked websites on popular search engines may not be the most reliable. Overall, the websites had low scores for reliability, with poor engagability, content production and conflict of interest declaration. Patients should be given previously assessed references on the internet to prevent them being misled by in accurate or commercially motivated information.

Quality Assessment of Health Information about Scaphoid Fracture in Chinese Websites (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaobin Yin ◽  
Jianguang Ji ◽  
Peng Lu ◽  
Wenyao Zhong ◽  
Liying Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
The Mean

BACKGROUND With online health information becoming increasingly popular among patients and their family members, concerns have been raised about the accuracy from the websites. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the overall quality of the online information about scaphoid fracture obtained from Chinese websites using the local search engines. METHODS We conducted an online search using the keyword “scaphoid fracture” from the top 5 search engines in China, i.e. Baidu, Shenma, Haosou, Sougou and Bing, and gathered the top ranked websites, which included a total of 120 websites. Among them, 81 websites were kept for further analyses by removing duplicated and unrelated one as well as websites requiring payment. These websites were classified into four categories, including forum/social networks, commercials, academics and physician’s personals. Health information evaluation tool DISCERN and Scaphoid Fracture Specific Content Score (SFSCS) were used to assess the quality of the websites. RESULTS Among the 81 Chinese websites that we studied, commercial websites were the most common one accounting more than half of all websites. The mean DISCERN score of the 81 websites was 25.56 and no website had a score A (ranging from 64 to 80).The mean SFSCS score was 10.04 and no website had a score A (range between 24 and 30). In addition, DISCERN and SFSCS scores from academic and physician’s websites were significantly higher than those from the forum/social networks and commercials. CONCLUSIONS The overall quality of health information obtained from Chinese websites about scaphoid fracture was very low, suggesting that patients and their family members should be aware such deficiency and pay special attentions for the medical information obtained by using the current search engines in China.

DOZ047.115: Quality and readability of esophageal atresia information on the Internet

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B R O’Connor ◽  
E Doherty ◽  
F Friedmacher ◽  
L Vernon ◽  
T S Paran
Keyword(s):  
Esophageal Atresia ◽  
Oesophageal Atresia ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Search Term ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Google Search

Abstract Introduction Increasingly in pediatric surgical practice, patients, their parents, and surgeons alike use the Internet as an easily and quickly accessible source of information about conditions and their treatment. The quality and reliability of this information may often be unregulated. We aim to objectively assess the online information available relating to esophageal atresia and its management. Methods We performed searches for ‘oesophageal atresia’ and ‘esophageal atresia’ using the Google, Yahoo, and Bing engines to encompass both European and American spellings. We assessed the first 20 results of each search and excluded duplicates or unrelated pages. The DISCERN score and the Health on the Net Foundation Code (HONcode) toolbar were utilized to assess the quality of information on each website. We evaluated readability with the Flesch reading ease (FRE) and the Flesch–Kincaid grade (FKG). Results Of the original 120 hits, 61 were excluded (51 duplicates, 10 unrelated). Out of 59 individual sites reviewed, only 13 sites were HONcode approved. The mean overall DISCERN score was 52.55 (range: 22–78). The mean DISCERN score for the search term ‘oesphageal atresia’ was 57 (range: 22–78) in comparison to 59.03 for ‘esophageal atresia’ (range: 27–78). Google search had the lowest overall mean DISCERN score at 54.83 (range: 35–78), followed by Yahoo at 58.03 (range: 22–78), and Bing with the highest overall mean score of 61.2 (range: 27–78). The majority of websites were graded excellent (≥63) or good (51–62), 43% and 27%, respectively; 20% were scored as fair (39–50), with 10% being either poor (27–38) or very poor (≤26). In terms of readability, the overall Flesch Reading Ease score was 33.02, and the overall Flesch–Kincaid grade level was 10.3. Conclusions The quality of freely available online information relating to esophageal atresia is generally good but may not be accessible to everyone due to being relatively difficult to read. We should direct parents towards comprehensive, high-quality, and easily readable information sources should they wish to supplement their knowledge about esophageal atresia and its management.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Most Viewed First 50 Videos on YouTube about Breast Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Isil Yurdaisik
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Common Cancer ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Common Cancer Type

Objective. Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women worldwide. Today, health consumers search the Internet to gain health information about many diseases including breast cancer. YouTube™ is the second most commonly used website on the Internet. However, the quality and accuracy of health-related YouTube™ videos are controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the quality and accuracy of breast cancer-related videos on YouTube™. Material and Methods. “Breast cancer” keyword was entered into YouTube™ search bar, and after excluding advertisement, duplicate, and non-English videos, the first most viewed 50 videos were analyzed. Videos’ length, the number of views, comments, likes, and dislikes were recorded. DISCERN and JAMA scores and Video Power Index (VPI) values of the videos were calculated. All videos were evaluated by two independent radiologists experienced on breast cancer. The correlation between the two observers was also analyzed. Results. Of all videos, 14% were uploaded by physicians, 26% by health channels, 20% by patients, 10% by news channels, 2% by herbalists, 2% by blog channels, and 2% by nonprofit activism channels. The mean DISCERN score was calculated as 26.70±10.99 and the mean JAMA score as 2.23±0.97. The mean VPI value, which was calculated to determine the popularity of the videos, was found as 94.10±4.48. A strong statistically significant correlation was found between the two observers in terms of both DISCERN and JAMA scores. There was an excellent agreement between the two observers. Conclusion. The overall quality of the viewed videos was found as poor. Healthcare professionals should be encouraged to upload breast cancer-related videos with accurate information to promote patients for screening and direct them appropriately.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Patient Information Quality and Readability on Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) on the Internet

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Priyanka ◽  
Yousaf B. Hadi ◽  
G. J. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Website Quality ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Moderate Quality ◽  
The Mean ◽  
11Th Grade

Objective. Patients are increasingly using the Internet to inform themselves of health-related topics and procedures, including EGD. We analyzed the quality of information and readability of websites after a search on 3 different search engines. Methods. We used an assessment tool for website quality analysis that we developed in addition to using validated instruments for website quality, Global Quality Score (GQS) and Health on Net (HON) certification. The readability was assessed using Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade level (FKG). 30 results of each search terms ‘EGD’ and ‘Upper Endoscopy’ from Google and 15 each from Bing and Yahoo were analyzed. A total of 45 websites were included from 100 URLs after removing duplicates, video links, and journal articles. Results. Only 3 websites were found to have good quality and comprehensive and authentic information. These websites were https://www.healthline.com, https://www.uptodate.com, and https://www.emedicine.medscape.com. There were additional 13 sites with moderate quality of information. The mean Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease (FRE) score was 46.92 (range 81.6-6.5). The mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade level (FKG) was 11th grade, with a range of 6th grade to 12th grade and above making them difficult to read. Conclusions. Our study shows that there are quite a few websites with moderate quality content. We recommend 3 comprehensive and authentic websites out of 45 URLs analyzed for information on Internet for EGD. In addition, the readability of the websites was consistently at a higher level than recommended by AMA at 11th grade level. In addition, we identified 3 websites with moderate quality content written at 8th grade and below readability level. We feel that gastroenterologists can help their patients better understand this procedure by directing them to these comprehensive websites.

scholarly journals Prevalence of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis and its effect on the quality of life

2013 ◽  
Vol 04 (03) ◽  
pp. 278-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karthik Nagaraj ◽  
Arun B Taly ◽  
Anupam Gupta ◽  
Chandrajit Prasad ◽  
Rita Christopher
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Fatigue Score ◽  
Duration Of Illness ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Fatigue Severity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization

ABSTRACTObjective: This prospective study was carried out to observe the prevalence of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its effect on quality-of-life (QoL). Study Design and Setting: Prospective observational study in a University Tertiary Research Hospital in India. Patients and Methods: A total of 31 patients (25 females) with definite MS according to McDonald ′s criteria presented in out-patient/admitted in the Department of Neurology (between February 2010 and December 2011) were included in the study. Disease severity was evaluated using the Kurtzke′s expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Fatigue was assessed using Krupp′s fatigue severity scale (FSS). QoL was assessed by the World Health Organization QoL-BREF questionnaire. Results: The mean age of patients was 30.1 ± 9.1 years. The mean age at first symptom was 25.23 ± 6.4 years. The mean number of relapses was 4.7 ± 3.6 in the patients. The mean duration of illness was 4.9 ± 4.4 years. The mean EDSS score was 3.5 ± 2.2. Mean fatigue score was 38.7 ± 18.5 (cut-off value 36 in FSS). The prevalence of fatigue in patients with MS was 58.1% (18/31). MS patients with fatigue were significantly more impaired (P < 0.05) on all QoL domains (i.e., physical, psychosocial, social, and environment) than MS patients without fatigue. Conclusion: Prevalence of fatigue was found to be high in the MS patients in the study. All four domains of QoL were significantly more impaired in the group with fatigue than in those without fatigue.

Personal Web searching in the age of semantic capitalism: Diagnosing the mechanisms of personalisation

First Monday ◽  
2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Feuz ◽  
Matthew Fuller ◽  
Felix Stalder
Keyword(s):  
Search Engines ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Web Searching ◽  
Search Results ◽  
Digital Methods ◽  
Internet Searches ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Search History ◽  
Current Reality

Web search engines have become indispensable tools for finding information online effectively. As the range of information, context and users of Internet searches has grown, the relationship between the search query, search interest and user has become more tenuous. Not all users are seeking the same information, even if they use the same query term. Thus, the quality of search results has, at least potentially, been decreasing. Search engines have begun to respond to this problem by trying to personalise search in order to deliver more relevant results to the users. A query is now evaluated in the context of a user’s search history and other data compiled into a personal profile and associated with statistical groups. This, at least, is the promise stated by the search engines themselves. This paper tries to assess the current reality of the personalisation of search results. We analyse the mechanisms of personalisation in the case of Google web search by empirically testing three commonly held assumptions about what personalisation does. To do this, we developed new digital methods which are explained here. The findings suggest that Google personal search does not fully provide the much-touted benefits for its search users. More likely, it seems to serve the interest of advertisers in providing more relevant audiences to them.

scholarly journals Quality of Online Health Information Regarding Sickle Cell Disease Transition

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4719-4719
Author(s):  
Steffi Shilly ◽  
Jane Lindahl ◽  
Dava Szalda ◽  
Caren Steinway ◽  
Sophia Jan
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Website Content

Abstract Introduction: As modern medicine has decreased mortality rates of children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), patients with SCD are living into adulthood and transitioning to adult care. However transition for these patients has proven to be a vulnerable time. Thus, it is important to prepare youth adequately for chronic care transition through expectations, knowledge, skills, efficacy, and support. The advancement of the Internet has provided patients a primary source to search and gather health-related knowledge. Internet usage is almost ubiquitous among American youth with 92% of them accessing the Internet regularly. Previous studies have shown a wide spectrum in the quality of information available on the Internet. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, a systematic review of online health information regarding transition of patients with SCD has not been conducted. Methods: Data were collected in December 2017 and January 2018 using the 5 search engines that have been identified as being most commonly utilized. Keywords were selected to represent phrases that people may use while searching for information on the Internet regarding SCD transition. Combinations of the keywords were used in the searches, and the first 20 links for each search term were considered in our study. Incognito window was used so that previous searches did not influence the results from the search engines. Websites that met the required inclusion/ exclusion criteria were included in this study. Websites were divided as SCD transition or non-SCD transition specific websites based on whether they mentioned sickle cell disease or not. Websites were classified as academic/educational institution, health department, hospital/private clinician, professional body, or other (includes Wiki, WebMD, and etc). Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) Score was used to evaluate website readability. A novel 12-item transition-specific content tool was produced to evaluate website content. Website quality was evaluated by assessing for the presence or absence of the HONcode certification and using the EQIP tool. A high quality website was defined as having an EQIP Score ≥ 75% in this study. Website quality and content was scored by two research assistants employed in the General Pediatrics department at Northwell Health. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel and online tools. A p-value <0.05 was the criterion for statistical significance. Results: Using the combination of keywords decided, 9522 websites were identified using the selected search engines. Of the 9522 websites, 157 eligible websites met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. 92 websites were SCD specific links and 65 websites were non-SCD specific links. 27 websites had a HONCode certification issued to them. Only 1 non-SCD website and 26 SCD specific websites had HONCode certifications. The average EQIP score was 59.0 ± 3.0. The average EQIP score for SCD specific websites was 56.9 ± 5.2 and was 61.1 ± 5.0 for non-SCD specific websites. Based on the cutoff value of an EQIP score ≥ 75%, 6 SCD specific websites and 13 non-SCD specific websites are of high quality. The interrater reliability in EQIP ratings was good (Pearson correlation: 0.660). The average FRE score was 49.0 ± 4.0. The average FRE score was 51.9 ± 13.7 for SCD specific websites and 46.1 ± 15.8 for non-SCD specific websites. The average website content score was 28.6 ± 10.7. The average website content score was 21.0 ± 7.1 for SCD specific websites and 36.1 ± 10.2 for non-SCD specific websites. The results of the two tailed t-test indicated that FRE scores between HONCode certified and non-HONCode certified websites were significant for among SCD websites as well as among combined SCD and non-SCD websites (p < 0.05). All identified websites will also be reviewed by two physicians who specialize in caring for young adults with chronic illnesses. Analyses from their review will be conducted prior to the conference. Conclusion: Although seeking health care information online is very common, the overall quality of information about sickle cell disease transition on the Internet is poor. Steps should be taken to make changes that will allow for adequate online healthcare information regarding sickle cell disease transition. By doing this, youth going through transition will be prepared by having competent expectations, knowledge, skills, efficacy, and support available on the Internet. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Internet search engines and ways to improve quality of inquiries fulfillment when searching for scientific information on the Internet

2016 ◽  
pp. 79-87
Author(s):  
Yury Smirnov
Keyword(s):  
Search Engines ◽  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Information Organization ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Search ◽  
Popular Method ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Internet Information

Existing Internet search engines are analyzed. Tagging, with its advantages and drawbacks, is examined as a popular method of Internet information organization and classification. The author concludes that every search engine is unique for its search algorithm, and combined use of many is seen and the most efficient for users.

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