IntroductionWhile Google is frequently used to access internet-based health resources, the quality of online health information remains variable. Our purpose was to assess suggested resources identified through Google search features for common symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). MethodsTwo searches were performed. The first, labeled "symptom-related," included the terms "hand numbness," "hand tingling," and "hand falling asleep." The second, labeled "CTS-specific," included "carpal tunnel syndrome," "carpal tunnel surgery," and "carpal tunnel release." A novel feature of Google's search engine is to display similar searches made by other users ("People Also Ask" snippet). For each search, the first 100 results snippets and the associated website links were recorded. A list of unique questions was compiled and classified into 1 of 3 categories using the Rothwell classification: fact, policy, or value. Questions were also classified based on the diagnoses suggested by the query. Website authorship was determined, and the corresponding links were categorized by two independent reviewers. ResultsThe "symptom-related" searches yielded 175 unique questions and 130 unique website links, and the "CTSspecific" searches yielded a total of 243 questions and 179 unique links. For "symptom-related" searches, 65% of questions suggested a diagnosis, with CTS being suggested as a diagnosis for only 3% of questions. In contrast, CTS was suggested by 92% of questions in "CTS-specific" searches. In both searches, nearly 75% of questions were classified as "facts." Commercial websites were the most common in both searches. ConclusionGoogle searches for common symptoms of median nerve compression rarely yield information related to CTS.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.