Quality of Web-Based Patient Information on Robotic Radical Cystectomy Remains Poor: A Standardized Assessment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients frequently use the Web to obtain health information. This trend increased during the COVID19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the quality of Web-based information on robot-assisted radical cystectomy. METHODS: (JAMA) assessment instruments, and HONcode (Health on the Net Foundation) seal and reference presence. Flesch Reading Ease Score was used for readability assessment. RESULTS: Of the 225 sites examined only 34 were eligible for analysis, including 35.3% classified as "academic," 44.1% "physician," 11.8% "commercial," and 8.8% "unspecified." Average±SD DISCERN and JAMA scores were 45.5±15.7 and 1.9±1.1, respectively. Commercial websites had the highest DISCERN and JAMA scores with a mean±SD of 64.7±8.7 and 3.6±0.5, respectively. Physician websites had a significantly lower JAMA mean score than commercial ones (p <0.001). Six websites had HONcode seals and 10 reported references. Readability was difficult as it was at the level of college graduate. CONCLUSIONS: As the role of robot-assisted radical cystectomy continues to grow worldwide, the overall quality of Web-based information related to this procedure remains poor. An effort should be made by health care providers to assure patients can have better access to reliable and readable informational material.