Medical reliability of a video-sharing website: The gingival recession model.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the quality of the scientific/clinical information in dentistry delivered by videos hosted by a popular video-sharing website.

METHODS

The gingival recession condition was used as a model and YouTube™ as the video hosting service. A systematic observation of videos containing information on gingival recession was conducted. Videos were analysed to evaluate (i) the scientific reliability and quality of the information using Global Quality Scale (GQS) and DISCREN criteria; and (ii) the understandability of this information using a tailor-made custom comprehensiveness index (CI).

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty videos were identified. Videos dealing with surgical procedures were not included in the present review. After selection, 41 videos were analysed. The mean GQS was 2.34 on a 0-5 scale, and 25 (61%) videos showed clear aims according to DISCREN criteria. Misleading content was observed in eight videos (19.5%). The scientific sources of information were unclear in 26 (63.4%) videos. All videos failed to give additional references for supplemental information. Only three videos (7%) provided basic information on aetiology, clinical presentations and management of gingival recession. Based on 0-2 CI scores, three, nine and 29 videos had a score of 2, 1 and 0, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present model indicates that social media websites aiming to provide health information should be carefully accounted, especially when dealing with dentistry. It also suggests professional involvement to improve the quality of the delivered information.