Content and Readability of Online Recommendations for Breast Implant Size Selection

Abstract

Background: Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures in the United States. Online information is often used by patients to make decisions when undergoing cosmetic procedures. It is vital that online medical information includes relevant decision-making factors and uses language that is understandable to broad patient audiences. Ideally, online resources should aid patient decisions in aesthetic surgical planning, especially implant size selection for breast augmentation. We describe patient decision-making factors and readability of breast implant size selection recommended by private practice plastic surgery webpages. Methods: Using a depersonalized, anonymous query to Google search engine, the terms "breast implant size factors" and "breast implant size decision" were searched, and 52 plastic surgery private practice webpages were identified. Webpages were analyzed for reported decision-making factors of implant size selection. Readability analyses of webpages were performed with Readability Studio and Hemingway Editor. Results:The two major decision-making factors for implant size selection reported by webpages were body/tissue-based measurements and surgeon input. Ten factors related to patient lifestyle, surgical goals, and procedural options were also identified. Average webpage scores for five readability measures exceeded recommended levels for medical information. Conclusions: Reported decision-making factors for implant size selection emphasize a plastic surgeon's expertise but may enhance the patient's role in preoperative planning. Webpages describing breast implant size selection exceed the sixth and eighth grade reading levels recommended by the AMA and NIH, respectively. Improving the readability of webpages will refine the role of online medical information in preoperative planning of breast augmentation.

Validation of ChatGPT 3.5 as a Tool to Optimize Readability of Patient-facing Craniofacial Education Materials

“…Despite these recommendations, prior studies have elucidated the readability of patient education materials, with many studies describing that the average reading levels of education materials do not meet the national recommended average by several grade levels. 6,7,9–20 In prior studies, it is clear that many patient education materials are written above the recommended levels; however, to our knowledge, this is the first study to offer a simplified solution using AI to manage and improve patient health education materials.…”

“…8 However, patient-facing materials in plastic surgery often remain at an above-recommended average reading level. 9–20…”

“…8 However, patient-facing materials in plastic surgery often remain at an above-recommended average reading level. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Artificial intelligence (AI) has had emerging areas of application in healthcare and has primarily been used in diagnostics. 21,22 However, recently developed AI models may have further areas of application.…”

Plastic Surgery or Facial Plastic Surgery: Can the Public Tell the Difference?

“…5,16,19,20,22 However, recent studies have shown that online plastic surgery resources often exceed the recommended sixth grade reading level as suggested by American Medical Association guidelines. [23][24][25] In addition, it is unclear whether certain terminology utilized online in plastic surgery resources accurately convey the differences in training and accreditation attained by respective providers. Although there are multiple pathways to becoming a safe and effective surgeon, it is concerning that multiple studies have shown that many providers offer plastic surgery procedures in an increasingly competitive online market and often perform procedures outside of the scope of their training.…”

Artificial Intelligence in Postoperative Care: Assessing Large Language Models for Patient Recommendations in Plastic Surgery

“…Additionally, one study identified that in plastic surgery, 50.2% of patients had an education level lower than high school and that 48% of attendings, residents, and PAs said it was challenging to make patients follow postoperative instructions [ 34 ]. Moreover, patient materials in plastic surgery are often above the recommended average reading level of 6th to 8th grade and may be too difficult for the average patient [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”