Enhancing pediatric stoma care: Analyzing YouTube videos for pediatric stoma pouch changing techniques

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality, content, and reliability of YouTube videos that address ostomy bag change techniques in children. As digital platforms are increasingly used for health-related information, especially for those caring for pediatric ostomy patients, this study aims to identify the strengths and limitations of available online resources.

A descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional research design was used to evaluate YouTube videos focused on pediatric ostomy bag change techniques.

The study included a total of 33 YouTube videos identified through searches conducted between May 3 and May 30, 2024. Videos included infants, children, and adolescents and were selected based on their relevance to pediatric double pouch ostomy care.

Videos were scored using the modified DISCERN score and the Global Quality Scale (GQS) to assess video quality and reliability. A checklist based on established ostomy care guidelines was used for content analysis and identification of common procedural errors. The view rates, video/likes ratio, and popularity of the videos were calculated as the video power index. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27 and statistical significance was determined with a p-value of less than 0.05.

The analysis showed that 54.5 % of the videos were uploaded by independent publishers and 45.5 % by healthcare institutions. Videos aimed at caregivers were the most common (66.7 %). The mean number of views was 24,026.57, with a mean modified DISCERN score of 2.53 and a GQS score of 2.80. There was also a positive correlation between video length and quality scores. Significant differences in video quality were found between those published by healthcare organizations and independent publishers, with healthcare organization videos generally scoring higher. The most common errors in the videos included inadequate stoma coverage and improper disposal procedures.

The study shows that there is significant variability in the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on how to change an ostomy pouch in children. Compared to videos produced by independent publishers, videos produced by healthcare institutions had higher quality and reliability. The findings underscore the need for improved educational resources and quality control in digital platforms in order to better support the caregivers of pediatric ostomy patients.