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Melanoma information on the Internet: often incomplete--a public health opportunity?
Christopher K Bichakjian1, Jennifer L Schwartz, Timothy S Wang
1Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0946, USA.
Purpose:
To assess the accuracy and completeness of information regarding melanoma on the Internet, retrieved by use of search engines.
Methods:
The first 30 uniform/universal resource locators (URLs) from each of eight search engines using the search term "melanoma" were retrieved for evaluation of accuracy and completeness using a 35-point checklist rating system instrument. Four reviewers independently rated each of 35 sites, and one reviewer rated all 74 assessable sites. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate interrater variability.
Results:
A total of 74 assessable Web sites were evaluated. The remainder were inaccessible, link pages only, or duplicates. Thirty-five Web sites were each independently rated by four reviewers. The remaining 39 Web sites were each rated by one reviewer. The mean kappa statistic for all variables and all rater pairs for which a kappa could be calculated was 0.824, indicating excellent overall inter-rater reliability. The majority of Web sites failed to include complete information on general information, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Ten Web sites (14%) contained a total of 13 inaccuracies, most relatively minor.
Conclusion:
Medical information retrieved with the search term melanoma was likely to lack complete basic melanoma information and contained inaccuracies in 14% of sites. Health care providers can help patients by recommending comprehensive and accurate Web sites for patient review, by working to create accurate and thorough Web-based health information material, and by educating patients and the public about the variability in completeness and accuracy.
Insights
Online melanoma information often lacks completeness and accuracy. A review found 14% of websites contained inaccuracies, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to guide patients to reliable resources.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Informatics
- Health Communication
Background:
- The internet is a primary source for health information.
- Assessing the quality of online health information is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and completeness of online melanoma information.
- To identify the reliability of web pages retrieved through search engines.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 74 web sites using a 35-point checklist.
- Utilized four independent reviewers to assess accuracy and completeness.
- Employed kappa statistics to ensure inter-rater reliability (mean kappa = 0.824).
Main Results:
- Most evaluated websites lacked comprehensive information on melanoma.
- Key areas of deficiency included general information, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis.
- 14% of websites contained inaccuracies, though most were minor.
Conclusions:
- Websites retrieved using the search term "melanoma" often provide incomplete or inaccurate information.
- Healthcare providers should recommend trusted online resources and educate patients on information variability.
- Developing accurate and thorough online health materials is essential.