Evaluation of quality, readability, suitability, and usefulness of online resources available to cancer survivors

The Evaluation of the Suitability, Quality, and Readability of Publicly Available Online Resources for the Self-Management of Fear of Cancer Recurrence

“…Readability of all resources was higher than the recommended 8th grade level [48]. The high reading grade of the included resources, indicating more difficult text requiring higher levels of education to understand, complements a recent evaluation of publicly available resources for adult cancer survivors who have completed treatment, where the average reading level was 11 (equivalent to secondary school) with only one resource meeting the recommended 8th grade [26]. These findings are also consistent with an evaluation of online resources for self-management of depression, which found that readability of the included resources required at least secondary/high school level education [30].…”

“…There was limited use of graphics, learning, stimulation, and motivation strategies (e.g., interactive features, behaviours modelled/specific, and motivation/selfefficacy) across resources. Similarly, limited use of graphics were found for online resources for cancer survivors, which the authors note may further compound readability issues [26]. This is problematic, as these strategies are likely to enhance learning, engagement and retention of skills, which are critical to enabling self-management, [38].…”

“…Unmet information needs and inadequate information provision have been theorised [25] and found to be related to greater FCR [16]. A recent review of 45 online resources for adult cancer survivors who have completed primary treatment was conducted and their quality, suitability, readability, and usefulness in addressing prevalent unmet needs were assessed [26]. Findings showed that only 58% of these unmet needs were addressed, for which cancer recurrence was only partially addressed (mean = 0.6/1.0) [26].…”

“…A recent review of 45 online resources for adult cancer survivors who have completed primary treatment was conducted and their quality, suitability, readability, and usefulness in addressing prevalent unmet needs were assessed [26]. Findings showed that only 58% of these unmet needs were addressed, for which cancer recurrence was only partially addressed (mean = 0.6/1.0) [26]. There is a clear need for high quality low-intensity online selfmanagement resources for cancer survivors with mild to moderate FCR that are suitable and readable.…”

Patient-Directed Vasectomy Information: How Readable Is It?

“…Notably, google searches of vasectomy have significantly increased since the Dobbs vs. Jackson ruling in the United States [ 17 ]. Ease of reading is essential for the accessibility of health information, yet several studies have shown the current reading level of online health information to be too complex for an average person living in America [ 18 19 20 21 ]. Unfortunately, our study demonstrates this applies to online vasectomy content as well.…”