Abstract
Research Type:
Level 5 - Case report, Expert opinion, Personal observation
Introduction/Purpose:
The internet has become a primary resource for patients seeking information on health-related topics, including the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal injuries. However, the quality and readability of this information vary widely. Ankle sprains, a common injury, are frequently researched and discussed online. This study aimed to assess the quality, reliability, and readability of online resources related to ankle sprains. By evaluating the trustworthiness of these resources, this study aims to provide insights into how online content on ankle sprains can be improved, ensuring it serves as a reliable and accessible source of information for patients.
Methods:
Searches were conducted across three search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) using the terms “sprained ankle,” “twisted ankle,” and “torn ankle.” The first 20 websites from each search were selected, excluding those intended for healthcare professionals. Quality assessment was conducted using the DISCERN instrument, JAMA benchmark, and AAOS quality rating guidelines. Readability was evaluated with the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRE). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results:
A total of 49 websites were reviewed for quality and readability. The quality ratings were poor across all tools: the DISCERN instrument yielded a mean score of 40.08 ± 9.0 (range, 25.67-59.67 out of 80), the JAMA benchmark had a mean score of 1.65 ± 1.19 (range, 0-4 out of 4), and the AAOS quality rating resulted in a mean score of 11.4 ± 4.61 (range, 3-22 out of 24). Readability assessments revealed a mean Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score of 58.8 ± 11.94 (range, 26.2-80.2) and a mean Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKGL) of 9.49 ± 2.97 (range, 5.3-21.5), indicating moderate readability at a high school to early college level.
Conclusion:
The online sources on ankle sprains had poor quality and readability, which may contribute to the spread of misinformation. To address this issue, efforts should be made to improve the quality of content through evidence-based information and enhance readability by simplifying language to better match the general public’s understanding. Future initiatives may include collaboration with healthcare organizations to improve online resources and ensure they are accessible and reliable for patients seeking accurate information.