An evaluation of the quality and content of web‐based stoma information

Abstract

Aim Although the internet is commonly the first port of call for medical information, it provides unregulated data of variable quality. We aimed to evaluate commonly accessed web‐based information on intestinal stomas using validated and novel scoring systems. Method The keywords ‘stoma’, ‘colostomy’, ‘ileostomy’ and ‘bowel bag’ were entered into the most commonly used internet search engines (Google, Bing and Yahoo). The first ten websites from each search were analysed using the validated Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria and DISCERN scoring systems. A novel stoma‐specific score was devised and applied. Results Forty‐three unique websites were identified. The majority (49%) were from nonprofit or governmental agencies and 9% were from commercial entities. The mean total DISCERN score for all websites was 42.4 ± 10.2 (maximum possible score = 75). The mean JAMA and stoma‐specific scores were 2.1 ± 1.0 (maximum possible score = 4) and 12.9 ± 6.1 (maximum possible score = 27). The lowest JAMA scores were in the category of attribution, with 70% of websites lacking references for the information provided. A total of 88% displayed disclosure/paid advertiser information. Surgery was described in 67%. An image or diagram was provided in 58% and in 72% a stoma therapist/nurse was mentioned. Information on when to seek medical help was provided in 51%. Conclusion Web‐based information on stomas is of variable content and quality. Authorship and information sources are often unclear. Only half provided information on when to seek medical help for complications including high output and dehydration. These findings should be highlighted to patients who utilize the internet to obtain information on stomas.

The Impact of Health Technologies on Ostomy Care

“…21,23 We categorized the various technologies used in these 10 studies into 2 categories: sensor-based wearable technologies (n = 1) and information-based technologies displayed on a computer, tablet device, Web-based technologies, or mobile phones (n = 9). 16,17,19,20,[22][23][24]26,27 Supplemental Digital Content Table 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JWOCN/A95, summarizes the technologies used in each study, Table 2 lists the outcome measures used in each study, and Table 3 this sensor-based technology improved health-related quality of life, reduced hospital length of stay and readmission rate, and enabled nursing staff to attend more patients.…”

“…17,24,26 In 4 studies, colostomy and ileostomy complications were evaluated. 19,20,22,27 In 2 studies, the type of complication was not mentioned. 16,24 The maximum follow-up period or treatment duration and the duration of the use of information technology in the studies were 13 months.…”

Readability, Suitability, and Content Evaluation of Initial, Online Masking Guidance from U.S. States during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The SAM tool was most applicable and relevant to our face mask guidance evaluation compared to other more healthcare focused evaluation tools such as HON and DISCERN (9,15,27).…”

“…The novel masking guidance-specific score followed similar methods developed by Connelly et al for their web-based stoma information evaluation (8). For the stomaspecific content score, two scored for the presence of 27 predefined subjects relating to stoma information and determined consensus scores (9).…”

Treatment for Constipation—An Online Search. Readability and Quality of Online Patient Resources

“…Websites that encompass any of the above may be considered as “health information” websites. Despite efforts, recent evidence shows that refinement is needed in the design of information systems in this area ( 6 , 7 ). Online healthcare information must be accurate and accessible with a patient-centered focus.…”