Assessing the Quality, Reliability, and Readability of Online Information on Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Quality Information Retinal Detachment

Abstract

Purpose Investigating the quality, accountability, readability, availability of translation among publicly available online resource materials on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods Websites were classified as private or academic in Google search results where the searching region was set to United States. Quality and accountability were assessed using internationally accepted modified DISCERN criteria, JAMA and Health on the Net Code of Conduct (HONcode). Readability and availability of translation into other languages were evaluated. Results No statistical difference was found in modified DISCERN, JAMA, and HONcode scoring when websites were grouped as academic or private. (p = 0.27, p = 0.34, p = 0.53, respectively). There was a statistical difference between the two groups in the readability of academic and private websites. (p = 0.01) The readability of private websites was higher. When we group by the presence of HONcode certificate, 9 websites have certificates, 11 websites were not certified. Comparing the modified DISCERN and JAMA scores of these websites, the difference between the two groups were statistically significant. (p = 0.005, p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions The Online content provided by websites should be written in a simple way that the reader can understand, with accurate information. The certified medical online content providers can be an indicator of the reliability of the content.