Quality of the patient-oriented information on thyroid cancer in the internet

Udayanga, Viraj; Jayarajah, Umesh; Colonne, Soraj D; Seneviratne, Sanjeewa

doi:10.1016/j.hlpt.2020.03.007

Cited by 10 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…On average, this study found a senior high school reading level is required to interpret webpages on ED treatment, which is consistent with previous studies on other urological and other medical conditions. 14,39,40 This is much higher than the USA recommended fifth-grade reading level, and the sixth-to eighth-grade level recommended by most Australian state health departments. 10 This may limit resource utility for many patients, especially when the incidence of poor health literacy and ED both increase with aging.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Quality and readability of online patient information on treatment for erectile dysfunction

et al. 2021

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Objectives To investigate the quality and readability of online patient information on treatment for erectile dysfunction using a Google search. Materials and methods The results of a Google search for “erectile dysfunction treatment” were reviewed. Webpages that contained written information on erectile dysfunction except those containing scientific publications and paywall protected webpages were included in further analysis. Typographic and treatment information were recorded. Readability was assessed using the Fleisch‐Kincaid grade level, the Gunning‐Fog index, the Coleman‐Liau index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook. Website quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and presence of Health on the net (HON) code certification. Website typography, discussed treatment types, readability scores, and quality measures were reported. Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare the data as appropriate dependent on the normality of data. Results Eighty‐one webpages were included. Urologists and hospitals were the most common producers with 15 (18%) each. Seventy‐four (91%) webpages contained specific information on treatment for erectile dysfunction and 15 (19%) contained advertisements. Seventeen (21%) webpages were HON code certified. The median DISCERN score was 35 (IQR 26.5‐44) out of 80. The mean combined readability score was 12.32 (SD 1.91). The median JAMA benchmark score was 1 (IQR 1‐2) out of 4. Google rank had a small negative correlation with DISCERN score (τ = −0.16, P = .036). HON code certified webpages had higher DISCERN scores (median of 44 [IQR 35‐58.5] vs 32.5 [IQR 25.25‐42.25], U = 832, Z = 6561, P < .001). A linear regression was used to predict DISCERN score based on meeting each JAMA benchmark criterion (F(2, 78) = 22.7, P < .001) R2 = 0.368, P < .001. Within this model the effects of meeting attribution (β = 11.09) and currency (β = 8.79) criterion were significant. Conclusions The quality of online information on treatment for erectile dysfunction is generally poor. However, easy to identify markers of quality like HON code certification, or meeting JAMA benchmark criterion for attribution and currency may help patients to navigate to better quality online information on treatment for erectile dysfunction. Webpages are written at senior high school level, above any recommendations for patient medical information. Health professionals should use validated instruments to assess the quality of online information on treatment for erectile dysfunction prior to publication to improve their utility for patients.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Quality and readability of online patient information on treatment for erectile dysfunction

et al. 2021

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“…Two independent investigators with previous experience of conducting similar studies assessed the selected websites [ 11 , 12 ]. Prior to the assessment, a pilot run was conducted to ensure uniformity and accuracy.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality of online information for the general public on COVID-19

Jayasinghe

Ranasinghe

Jayarajah

et al. 2020

Patient Education and Counseling

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“…There is a lack of good quality online information for cancer patients [46]. Studies have shown that the currently available online information on cancer is unreliable and of poor quality and readability [47,48]. Although, the NCCP has initiated to publish online leaflets for common cancers, more comprehensive material on common cancers designed by local experts describing the available treatment, side effects, and outcomes will be useful.…”

Section: Health Literacy and Public Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cancer services in Sri Lanka: current status and future directions

Jayarajah

Abeygunasekera

2021

J Egypt Natl Canc Inst

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Background The burden of cancer in Sri Lanka is on the rise. The overall incidence of cancer in Sri Lanka has doubled over the past 25 years with a parallel rise in cancer-related mortality. Cancer has become the second commonest cause of hospital mortality in Sri Lanka. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the current status and future direction of cancer care in Sri Lanka. Main body In Sri Lanka, cancer services are predominantly provided by the state sector free of charge to the general public. With the establishment of national cancer policy on cancer prevention and control, there has been a commendable improvement in the cancer services provided island-wide. An increasing number of breast, oropharyngeal, thyroid, oesophageal, colorectal, lung, and gastric cancers are being diagnosed and treated annually. Primary prevention measures include restrictions in tobacco and HPV vaccination. Screening programs for selected cancers such as breast, oral and cervical cancers are delivered. Medical oncology units with facilities for systemic therapy and adequately supported by surgical, pathology, and radiology departments have been established in each district general hospital island-wide. Although the current progress is commendable, future changes are necessary to overcome the current limitations and to cater the ever increasing burden of cancer. Measures are necessary to enhance the coverage of Sri Lanka Cancer Registry. Timely high-quality research and audits are essential. Community participation in planning strategies for cancer prevention and treatment is minimal. Community-based palliative care facilities and radiation and other systemic therapy should be made available in all provinces. A culture of multi-disciplinary care with proper referral pathways would help to improve the current setting. Conclusion In conclusion, Sri Lanka has a reasonably balanced and continuously expanding program for prevention, screening, and treatment of cancers. Emphasis on preventive strategies related to reducing tobacco smoking, chewing betel, and obesity, making cancers a notifiable disease, involving the community in planning cancer care and prevention strategies, conducting research to evaluate cost-effectiveness of existing treatment and increasing radiotherapy facilities would further improve the cancer services in Sri Lanka.

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Quality of the patient-oriented information on thyroid cancer in the internet

Cited by 10 publications

References 18 publications

Quality and readability of online patient information on treatment for erectile dysfunction

Quality and readability of online patient information on treatment for erectile dysfunction

Quality of online information for the general public on COVID-19

Cancer services in Sri Lanka: current status and future directions

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