Assessing the quality and readability of online content on shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Patients are becoming increasingly reliant on online platforms for obtaining health information. Previous research has shown that the quality of information available on the internet regarding novel medical therapies is generally poor and frequently misleading. Shock wave therapy represents a novel restorative therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) that has recently gained attention. We hypothesised that online sources regarding shock wave therapy for ED would be fraught with misleading claims and unreliable health information. Our objective was to evaluate the quality and readability of online medical information on shock wave therapy as a treatment for ED. Websites were generated using a Google search of ‘shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction’ with location filters disabled. Readability was analysed using the Readable software (http://readable.com, Horsham, United Kingdom). Quality was assessed independently by three reviewers using the DISCERN tool. Articles were subdivided into those from private clinic websites and those from universities or news media websites. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student's t test. Nine articles that resulted from the Google search had mean readability scores as follows: Flesch–Kincaid grade level (10.8), Gunning–Fog Index (13.67), Coleman–Liau Index (12.74), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index (13.33), FORCAST Grade Level (11.33), and Automated Readability Index (11.08). The mean Flesch Reading Ease score was 46.4. The articles had a mean DISCERN score of 3.1, suggesting ‘moderate quality’ content. Articles from universities (n = 2) or news sources (n = 3) had significantly higher DISCERN scores than articles from private medical practices (n = 4). There was no difference in readability scores between the groups. Articles from private clinics are just as readable as those from universities or news media, but they are significantly more biased and misleading. The current online material relating to shock wave therapy for ED may not adequately inform patients in their medical decisions making, thereby necessitating closer collaboration between the sources disseminating information and urologists.

Evaluating the Readability and Quality of Online Patient Education Materials for Pediatric ACL Tears

“…However, it is important to note that the first page of a Google search captures up to 90% of web traffic 29 . Other search engines (i.e., Yahoo and Bing) were not used, as Google has been deemed the most widely used search engine for health-related information 30–32 . Although private browsing helps reduce personalized search results, it may not eliminate all location-specific influences.…”

“…29 Other search engines (i.e., Yahoo and Bing) were not used, as Google has been deemed the most widely used search engine for healthrelated information. [30][31][32] Although private browsing helps reduce personalized search results, it may not eliminate all location-specific influences. Using further methods such as proxy servers or virtual private networks may allow for further control of location biases.…”

Editorial Comment

“…Despite the limited supporting evidence for the efficacy of these treatments, numerous patients are fervently seeking and paying for treatments like platelet-rich plasma and energy-based therapies. 4 By enhancing the readability of abstracts on PubMed and other reputable sources, we can empower patients to access accurate and reliable information, steering them away from biased and erroneous articles found on less reliable websites or social media. 4 As the authors stated, AI platforms require close supervision and continuous improvement to reach their full potential in revolutionizing health communication and education.…”

“…Despite the limited supporting evidence for the efficacy of these treatments, numerous patients are fervently seeking and paying for treatments like platelet-rich plasma and energy-based therapies. 4 By enhancing the readability of abstracts on PubMed and other reputable sources, we can empower patients to access accurate and reliable information, steering them away from biased and erroneous articles found on less reliable websites or social media. 4…”

“…4 By enhancing the readability of abstracts on PubMed and other reputable sources, we can empower patients to access accurate and reliable information, steering them away from biased and erroneous articles found on less reliable websites or social media. 4…”