How readable and reliable is online patient information on chronic rhinosinusitis?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the quality and readability of websites on chronic rhinosinusitis.

METHODS

A total of 180 results from 3 different search engines regarding 'chronic rhinosinusitis', 'sinusitis' and 'sinus infections' were analysed for readability using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score and Gunning Fog Index. The Discern tool was used to approximate information quality.

RESULTS

From 180 total searches, 69 unique websites were identified. These had an average Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 9.75 (95 per cent confidence interval = 9.12-10.4), a Flesch Reading Ease Score of 45.0 (41.0-49.0) and a Gunning Fog Index of 13.7 (12.9-14.4), which equates to the average reading level of a college or university student. Discern scores were variable but consistently showed good-quality information.

CONCLUSION

Chronic rhinosinusitis information is of a high quality but is for a reading level higher than that of the average adult. Standardising patient information should ensure adequate comprehension and improve patient compliance.