Losing your head? An evaluation of the readability and reliability of patient information available online for avascular necrosis of the head of the femur

Title

Losing your head? An evaluation of the readability and reliability of patient information available online for Avascular Necrosis of the Head of Femur.

Background

Avascular necrosis of the head of femur commonly affects patients with an average age of 58.3 years, and is generally managed in the elective setting, allowing patients a timeframe to research their diagnosis and management options. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readability and reliability of the information available online to patients about this condition.

Methods

Google, Bing and Yahoo internet search engines were utilised, using the search terms “Avascular necrosis head of femur” and “hip avascular necrosis”, with the first 30 URLs selected for analysis. Readability was assessed using an online readability calculator to produce 3 scores (Gunning FOG, Flesch Kincaid Grade and Flesch Reading Ease). Information quality was assessed using a HONcode detection web-extension and the JAMA benchmark criteria.

Results

86 webpages were identified for inclusion for assessment.

Conclusion

The majority of the information available online about avascular necrosis of the head of the femur is not at an appropriate reading level for the general population, and less than 20% of the most accessible information available online is accredited to be of sufficient quality to be providing advice to patients. Medical professionals must work together to improve health literacy among the patients encountered, and ensure recommendation of only reliable and accessible sources of information should patients ask for guidance on finding these resources.