What Are Your Patients Reading Online About Soft-tissue Fillers? An Analysis of Internet Information

Abstract

Background:Soft-tissue fillers are increasingly being used for noninvasive facial rejuvenation. They generally offer minimal downtime and reliable results. However, significant complications are reported and patients need to be aware of these as part of informed consent. The Internet serves as a vital resource to inform patients of the risks and benefits of this procedure.Methods:Three independent reviewers performed a structured analysis of 65 Websites providing information on soft-tissue fillers. Validated instruments were used to analyze each site across multiple domains, including readability, accessibility, reliability, usability, quality, and accuracy. Associations between the endpoints and Website characteristics were assessed using linear regression and proportional odds modeling.Results:The majority of Websites were physician private practice sites (36.9%) and authored by board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists (35.4%) or nonphysicians (27.7%). Sites had a mean Flesch-Kincaid grade level of 11.9 ± 2.6, which is well above the recommended average of 6 to 7 grade level. Physician private practice sites had the lowest scores across all domains with a notable lack of information on complications. Conversely, Websites of professional societies focused in plastic surgery and dermatology, as well as academic centers scored highest overall.Conclusions:As the use of soft-tissue fillers is rising, patients should be guided toward appropriate sources of information such as Websites sponsored by professional societies. Medical professionals should be aware that patients may be accessing poor information online and strive to improve the overall quality of information available on soft-tissue fillers.

Analysis of the quality of online resources for parents of children who are late to talk

“…The vast collection of easily accessible and usable information makes the Internet appealing for professionals and parents alike (Cline & Haynes, 2001). This ease of access marks the emergence of the “self-educated” patient (Al-Taha et al., 2016), who arrives to appointments with a myriad of information previously collected online. Now, more than ever before, it is important to know what kind and quality of information is available to the general public online.…”

“…Although the web pages retrieved in this study were, on average, written in the appropriate, standard grade eight reading level for FRE scores, more than half fell within the fairly difficult or more difficult ranges, with FKG scores also higher (on average) at a grade 11 reading level. These higher reading levels may make it difficult for parents to retrieve and interpret relevant and necessary information (Al-Taha et al., 2016).…”

“…Readability is the ease with which the content of a site is able to be read and understood by the general public without a medical background (Grewal & Alagaratnam, 2013; Zhang et al., 2015). Readability is an important aspect to take into consideration in the creation of all sources of client information (Al-Taha et al., 2016). The US National Institute of Health recommends that patient information be written between a sixth- and seventh-grade level (Al-Taha et al., 2016; Medline Plus, 2017).…”

“…Usability reflects a website’s ease of use and contributes to the quality of a user’s experience. High usability is important because if a parent is unable to use a website effectively or find the information they are looking for, they may choose to go elsewhere, or not to return (Al-Taha et al., 2016; McGill & McLeod, 2019; Minervation Ltd, 2007).…”

“…Readability is an important aspect to take into consideration in the creation of all sources of client information (Al-Taha et al., 2016). The US National Institute of Health recommends that patient information be written between a sixth- and seventh-grade level (Al-Taha et al., 2016; Medline Plus, 2017).…”