Evaluation of Onychomycosis Information on the Internet

Onychomycosis is a common and significant nail condition causing both physical and social impairment. Since patients often search for health information online, the accuracy of this information has become important. In this study, we sought to assess the reliability and comprehensibility of accessible internet information for patients searching for onychomycosis. We identified the top search engine hits, evaluating websites on several categories: Accountability, Quality of Medical Information, Readability, Display, Support Features, and Transparency/Disclosures. Utilizing a pro forma based on established internet codes of conduct, website readability scores, and peer-reviewed papers, we objectively analyzed and scored the most commonly-listed websites on onychomycosis. Fifty-one total websites were reviewed with a maximum possible overall score of 43. The mean overall score for all websites was 20 and 1/43 (range, 4-35) with varied Accountability (mean, 4.9/10; range, 0-10) and Quality (mean, 6.4/13; range,1-12/13). Readability was poor overall with only 1/3 of sites meeting the acceptable 7th grade reading level for patients. In addition, while sites such as the American Academy of Dermatology website were well-organized and highly readable (Readability score, 5/5), this may compromise the quality of medical information presented (Quality score, 6/13). Because online education materials set the expectations and concerns of patients with onychomycosis, the variability in website reliability necessitates more efficient and regulated methods of presenting health information.