Evaluation of the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on obstetric perineal tears.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on obstetric perineal tears.

METHOD: We chose six keywords: "tearing birth", "perineal trauma", "perineal laceration", "perineal tear", "obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS)" and "vaginal tear". Each video that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed by two independent raters. Quantitative and qualitative metrics were recorded and scored using the DISCERN instrument.

RESULTS

A total of 51 videos were included. The mean overall DISCERN score between the two raters was 44.5 ± 13.6. There was no significant difference between the two raters (43.4 vs 45.6; p = 0.4). The DISCERN sore was statistically higher in videos presented by a physician (p < 0.001) and those that included an explanation of symptoms (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

YouTube videos on obstetric perineal tears have only been rated as fairly reliable. We identified the top four videos using the validated DISCERN instrument. Our top four best videos were unpopular because they used medical terms, narrated by physician and the duration was long. Thus, they would be more appropriate to a medical cohort. YouTube videos should be improved to better explain obstetric perineal tears to the public.