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.

scholarly journals Features of management information systems and technologies in the organization of the automated accounting and analytical process at the enterprise

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Markova ◽  
Yu. Melnyk ◽  
G. Pchelianska ◽  
S. Tilloyev
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Information Support ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Analytical Process ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Role Of Information

The article substantiates the role of information systems and technologies in the management of accounting and analytical process at the enterprise. The advantages and disadvantages of using informationsystems and technologies have been listed. It has been determined that the observance of the quality of information support is possible under the condition of observance of the principles of systematization, complexity, scientificity, reliability, expediency, efficiency, priority, transparency and target direction. Applied programs of domestic and foreign accounting experience have been given. An assessment of the use of computers at the enterprise and the use of the Internet in Ukraine have been carried out. After analyzing the useof the Internet, it was determined that since 2010 to the present, the share is growing accordingly. And theInternet is mostly used to send or receive e-mails (70,65%-98,84%), receive information about goods andservices (44,52%-89,22), make banking operations (81,53% -97,65%). A study of the number of companiesthat used computers by industry found that the largest number of companies are manufacturing and wholesale and retail ones.

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.

Quality of information available on the World Wide Web for patients undergoing thyroidectomy: review

2011 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Muthukumarasamy ◽  
Z Osmani ◽  
A Sharpe ◽  
R J A England
Keyword(s):  
World Wide Web ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Internet Health Information ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Key Word ◽  
The World ◽  
Ease Score

AbstractIntroduction:This study aimed to assess the quality of information available on the World Wide Web for patients undergoing thyroidectomy.Methods:The first 50 web-links generated by internet searches using the five most popular search engines and the key word ‘thyroidectomy’ were evaluated using the Lida website validation instrument (assessing accessibility, usability and reliability) and the Flesch Reading Ease Score.Results:We evaluated 103 of a possible 250 websites. Mean scores (ranges) were: Lida accessibility, 48/63 (27–59); Lida usability, 36/54 (21–50); Lida reliability, 21/51 (4–38); and Flesch Reading Ease, 43.9 (2.6–77.6).Conclusion:The quality of internet health information regarding thyroidectomy is variable. High ranking and popularity are not good indicators of website quality. Overall, none of the websites assessed achieved high Lida scores. In order to prevent the dissemination of inaccurate or commercially motivated information, we recommend independent labelling of medical information available on the World Wide Web.

scholarly journals Heterogeneity of demand and product innovation

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Caliari ◽  
Marco Valente ◽  
Ricardo Machado Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Imperfect Information ◽  
Evolutionary Model ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Choice Procedures ◽  
Differentiated Goods ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Role Of Information

Abstract This paper discusses the relationship between heterogeneity of demand regarding choice procedures and product innovation. We propose an evolutionary model showing how consumers with imperfect information chose and select differentiated goods. The model shows the role of information and choice procedures and its relation with the innovative process. The price plays an important role, but the quality of information, error tolerance and criteria for preference ordering are important determinants of the performance of firms in an industry with product innovation.

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 Assessment of quality of information available over the internet about vegan diet

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1142-1152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Genevieve El Jassar ◽  
Isobel Nadia El Jassar ◽  
Evangelos I. Kritsotakis
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Written Information

Purpose This paper aims to assess the quality of health information available to patients seeking online advice about the vegan diet. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional sample of patient-oriented websites was selected by searching for “Vegan diet” in the three most popular search engines. The first 50 websites from each search were examined. Quality of information was assessed using the DISCERN instrument, a questionnaire tool designed to judge the quality of written information on treatment choices. Readability was determined with the Flesch Reading Ease score (FRES) and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). Relevance to health and disease was assessed by counting the appearances of ten related keywords, generated by searching the query term “Vegan diet” into PubMed and recording the top ten health-related words. Findings Of 150 websites retrieved, 67 (44.7 per cent) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 42 (62.7 per cent) were non-pharmaceutical commercial, 7 (10.4 per cent) institutional, 6 (9.0 per cent) magazines or newspapers, 4 (6.0 per cent) support websites, 4 (6.0 per cent) charitable websites, 2 (3.0 per cent) encyclopedias and 2 (3.0 per cent) personal blogs. The overall DISCERN rating of the websites was fair (mean 41.6 ± 15.4 on an 80-point scale), but nearly half (31/67) of the websites were assessed as having “poor” or “very poor” quality of information. FRES and FKGL readability indices met the recommended standards on average (means 63.3 ± 9.6 and 6.6 ± 1.7, respectively), but did not correlate with high DISCERN ratings. Analysis of variance on DISCERN scores (F(6,60) = 6.536, p < 0.001) and FRES (F(6,60) = 2.733, p = 0.021) yielded significant variation according to website source type. Originality/value Quality standards of health information available on the internet about the vegan diet vary greatly. Patients are at risk of exposure to low quality and potentially misleading information over the internet and should be consulting dietitians or physicians to avoid being misled.

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.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with the Quality of Online Information about Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Insufficiency

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. 094-099
Author(s):  
Daniel Bakker ◽  
Janna S. E. Ottenhoff ◽  
David Ring
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Ligament Injury ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Interosseous Ligament ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Ibm Watson

Abstract Background The Internet is increasingly used by patients to seek health information about their medical conditions. The online information is of variable quality, often difficult to read, and sometimes inaccurate or misleading. This study assessed factors associated with the quality, readability, and dominant tones of online information about scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) insufficiency. Materials and Methods Using the three most used search engines, we entered the terms “wrist sprain,” “scapholunate ligament injury,” and “SL dissociation” and assessed the quality of the 45 Web sites identified using the DISCERN tool, readability by the Flesch Reading Ease Score, the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, the Gunning Fog Index, and the Simple Measure Of Gobbledygook, and dominant tones using the IBM Watson Tone Analyzer and the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. Results Online information about SLIL injuries had a mean DISCERN score of 39 ± 8.2. A dominant Web site tone of “sadness” correlated with lower DISCERN scores. A dominant tentative tone in text was associated with easier to comprehend texts. Conclusion The online information regarding SLIL insufficiency is of generally low quality, limited readability, and the underlying tones may be misleading. Professional societies might consider efforts to provide appealing, readable, information about SLIL insufficiency and other less common diagnoses on the Internet.

scholarly journals The Link between Information Transparency and Investment Efficiency: A Literature Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Thi Thanh Huyen Le
Keyword(s):  
Information Disclosure ◽  
Stock Price ◽  
Investment Efficiency ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Stock Liquidity ◽  
Information Transparency ◽  
Firm Investments ◽  
Role Of Information

Investigating the role of information has been recently a hot topic attracting many researchers. A large number of studies have examined the effect of information on cost of capital (Christine A. Botosan, 1997; Diamond & Verrecchia, 1991; Easley & O’Hara, 2004), stock price (Welker, 1995), and stock liquidity (Leuz & Wysocki, 2008). It is demonstrated that the increase in both quantity and quality of information brings benefits to firms as well as the capital markets (Healy & Palepu, 2001). More specifically, many studies indicate the beneficial influence of information disclosure in improving the efficiency of firm investments (Biddle & Hilary, 2006; Biddle, Hilary, & Verdi, 2009; Cheng, Dhaliwal, & Zhang, 2013; Gomariz & Ballesta, 2014; Lai, Liu, & Wang, 2014). This paper presents a review of literature about the relation between information transparency and firms’ investment efficiency. 

The reliability of the Internet for patient-centred education for surgical procedures

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-203
Author(s):  
Ca Slinger ◽  
I Smillie
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Patient Information ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Written Information ◽  
Ease Score

Background There is increasing use of the Internet by patients as an educational tool prior to a surgical procedure. However, the quality of information is highly variable, and it is imperative that as clinicians, we are aware of the information available to ensure that consent is valid and avoid unrealistic expectations. Our aim is to assess the quality of medical information available on the Internet related to common surgical procedures. Methods Analysis of the quality of patient information on 10 websites for six common surgical conditions ( n = 54 following exclusions) was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire and, for readability, using the Flesch reading ease test. Results There was high variation in the DISCERN score from 1.34 to 4.4 (mean 2.75). Overall, poor quality of patient information is available. Consistent scoring below 55 on Flesch reading ease score suggests a reading level beyond the majority of the patient population. Conclusion The majority of patient-centred health education on the Internet is poor. Therefore, improved verbal and written information during consultation combined with local, national and international websites is important to meet patient’s expectations and avoid issues regarding consent.

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