Quality and Reliability Analysis of YouTube as a Source for Patient Education on Dupuytren's Contracture.

PURPOSE: This study seeks to assess the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on Dupuytren's contracture.

METHODS

The first 50 unique videos on Dupuytren's contracture were evaluated by searching YouTube for Dupuytren's contracture. Video metrics, source, and content type were recorded. Video reliability was assessed using the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark criteria. Video educational quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and a Dupuytren's Contracture-Specific Score (DC-SS).

RESULTS

The total number of views for all 50 videos evaluated was 1,908,608 (mean, 38,172.16 ± 5,502.45 views). The mean reliability (JAMA) score was 2.21 ± 0.69 (range 0-4), the mean educational quality (GQS) score was 2.80 ± 1.28 (range 1-5), and the mean disease-specific (DC-SS) score was 6.05 ± 2.17 (range 0-15). Nonphysician health care professionals had the most popular videos, but the lowest DC-SS. GQS varied based on the video source, with physician-uploaded videos having the highest average quality scores. Physician source was an independent positive predictor of higher quality (GQS) (β = 0.477).

CONCLUSIONS

Videos on Dupuytren's contracture were frequently viewed on YouTube but had overall low educational quality and reliability. Of the videos that discussed collagenase as a treatment option, 40% failed to mention percutaneous needle aponeurotomy. Patients may be exposed to an incomplete set of treatment options. Educational content on YouTube should be interpreted cautiously and proper in-office education and high-quality resources for Dupuytren's contracture should be provided by physicians.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.