Pediatric ultrasound on YouTube: a multicenter quality assessment and ten practical recommendations.

Abstract

Background: Digital communication is increasingly influencing the way medical knowledge is accessed and shared, particularly in pediatrics. Among various platforms, YouTube has emerged as a major source of health-related information, not only for healthcare professionals but also for the general population. However, the open nature of social media raises concerns about the consistency, reliability, and educational quality of the content shared. Pediatric ultrasound is a highly specialized topic that requires accurate representation to ensure safe and effective knowledge transfer.

Objective: Our research evaluates the quality and accuracy of pediatric ultrasound content shared on social media platforms, with a focus on YouTube. We analyzed over 50 h of video produced by various contributors, including radiologists, pediatricians, and patient associations. This diversity enriches the platform but also introduces variability in content quality. The primary aim was to assess the educational value and dissemination potential of pediatric ultrasound content on social media. Through detailed analysis, we identified features that capture viewer interest and recurring patterns across pediatric ultrasound categories, offering insights that could help content creators develop more consistent and effective educational materials.