Online information on chronic pain in 3 countries: an assessment of readability, credibility, and accuracy

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the readability, credibility, and accuracy of online information on chronic pain in Australia, Mexico, and Nepal. Methods: We assessed Google-based websites and government health websites about chronic pain for readability (using the Flesch Kincaid Readability Ease tool), credibility (using the Journal of American Medical Association [JAMA] benchmark criteria and Health on the Net Code [HONcode]), and accuracy (using 3 core concepts of pain science education: (1) pain does not mean my body is damaged; (2) thoughts, emotions, and experiences affect pain; and (3) I can retrain my overactive pain system). Results: We assessed 71 Google-based websites and 15 government websites. There were no significant between-country differences in chronic pain information retrieved through Google for readability, credibility, or accuracy. Based on readability scores, the websites were "fairly difficult to read," suitable for ages 15 to 17 years or grades 10 to 12 years. For credibility, less than 30% of all websites met the full JAMA criteria, and more than 60% were not HONcode certified. For accuracy, all 3 core concepts were present in less than 30% of websites. Moreover, we found that the Australian government websites have low readability but are credible, and the majority provided all 3 core concepts in pain science education. A single Mexican government website had low readability without any core concepts but was credible. Conclusion:The readability, credibility, and accuracy of online information on chronic pain should be improved internationally to support facilitating better management of chronic pain.

Diseño y validación de un manual psicoeducativo sobre la colocación de catéter puerto en mujeres con cáncer de mama

“…Finalmente otro aspecto por considerar es la accesibilidad del manual, ya que su uso es ideal en el contexto hospitalario para apoyar al personal de salud a preparar a las pacientes, por lo que el material impreso puede ser de fácil distribución, sin embargo, contar con una opción digital ayudaría a llegar a pacientes fuera de los escenarios de salud y así poder evitar que estos recurran a la consulta de páginas o blogs de internet con información falsa, poco clara, limitada o que no se basa en evidencia científica, lo que puede repercutir en su perspectiva sobre la enfermedad, procedimientos y/o tratamientos (33,34) .…”