Internet search term affects the quality and accuracy of online information about developmental hip dysplasia

Peter D. Fabricant, Christopher J. Dy, Ronak M. Patel, John S. Blanco, Shevaun M. Doyle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The recent emphasis on shared decision-making has increased the role of the Internet as a readily accessible medical reference source for patients and families. However, the lack of professional review creates concern over the quality, accuracy, and readability of medical information available to patients on the Internet. Methods: Three Internet search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) were evaluated prospectively using 3 difference search terms of varying sophistication ("congenital hip dislocation," "developmental dysplasia of the hip," and "hip dysplasia in children"). Sixty-three unique Web sites were evaluated by each of 3 surgeons (2 fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic attendings and 1 orthopaedic chief resident) for quality and accuracy using a set of scoring criteria based on the AAOS/POSNA patient education Web site. The readability (literacy grade level) of each Web site was assessed using the Fleisch-Kincaid score. Results: There were significant differences noted in quality, accuracy, and readability of information depending on the search term used. The search term "developmental dysplasia of the hip" provided higher quality and accuracy compared with the search term "congenital hip dislocation." Of the 63 total Web sites, 1 (1.6%) was below the sixth grade reading level recommended by the NIH for health education materials and 8 (12.7%) Web sites were below the average American reading level (eighth grade). Conclusions: The quality and accuracy of information available on the Internet regarding developmental hip dysplasia significantly varied with the search term used. Patients seeking information about DDH on the Internet may not understand the materials found because nearly all of the Web sites are written at a level above that recommended for publically distributed health information.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)361-365
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2013

Keywords

  • Congenital
  • Developmental dysplasia
  • Dislocation
  • Education
  • Health literacy
  • Hip
  • Internet
  • Readability

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