Of these videos, 4 (40%) were patient testimonials, 4 (40%) were educational videos, and 2 (20%) were documentaries. Seventyfive percent (3/4) of patient testimonial videos included product promotions. Fifty percent of videos (5/10) included "Eczema" or "Atopic Dermatitis" in the title. Only 1 video was created by a dermatologist. Cumulative average scores for all videos were 2/5 on the mDISCERN scale and 2.5/5 on the GQS scale. There was a significant difference in mDISCERN scores of educational (M=2.875, SD=1.44; P=0.049) and documentary videos (M=4.50, SD 0.71; P=0.0086) compared to patient testimonials (M=0.75, SD=0.96). There was also a significant difference in GQS scores of educational (M=3.625, SD=1.109; P=0.0152) and documentary videos (M=4.00, SD=0.71, P=0.0149) compared to patient testimonials (M=1.375, SD=0.75). There was no difference found in GQS (P=0.694) or mDISCERN scores (P=0.22) of educational and documentary videos. Video type did not correlate with number of views. There was no correlation found between mDISCERN or GQS scores and length of video, duration on YouTube, or number of views, subscribers, or likes.
We found that the 10 most viewed YouTube videos on TSW had overall low reliability and quality. An average mDISCERN of 2/5 indicates poor reliability and extensive shortcomings. On the GQS scale, 2.5/5 suggests poor to moderate quality of videos, missing discussion of important topics, and limited patient utility. Patient testimonials had poorest quality and reliability of all video types; anecdotal information provided in these videos tended to be incomplete and not useful for patients seeking education on TSW. There is a wide viewership of YouTube videos, therefore, the information presented in videos on TSW has significant potential to influence patient knowledge and behavior. For example, unreliable information may contribute to fear of TCS and dissuade use in patients with primary skin diseases that may benefit. Given the variable accuracy of online content, patients should request guidance from medical providers on appraising information quality and reliability. Dermatologists should provide alternative evidence-based resources about TSW to patients, both in practice and in the online space including YouTube.
We found that the 10 most viewed YouTube videos on TSW had overall low reliability and quality. An average mDISCERN of 2/5 indicates poor reliability and extensive shortcomings. On the GQS scale, 2.5/5 suggests poor to moderate quality of videos, missing discussion of important topics, and limited patient utility. Patient testimonials had poorest quality and reliability of all video types; anecdotal information provided in these videos tended to be incomplete and not useful for patients seeking education on TSW. There is a wide viewership of YouTube videos, therefore, the information presented in videos on TSW has significant potential to influence patient knowledge and behavior. For example, unreliable information may contribute to fear of TCS and dissuade use in patients with primary skin diseases that may benefit. Given the variable accuracy of online content, patients should request guidance from medical providers on appraising information quality and reliability. Dermatologists should provide alternative evidence-based resources about TSW to patients, both in practice and in the online space including YouTube.
DISCLOSURE
This work was supported by an independent fellowship grant from Galderma.
REFERENCES
- Madathil KC, Rivera-Rodriguez AJ, Greenstein JS, et al. Healthcare information on YouTube: A systematic review. Health Informatics J. 2015;21(3):173-194.
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- Charnock D, Shepperd S, Needham G, Gann R. DISCERN: an instrument for judging the quality of written consumer health information on treatment choices. J Epidemiol Community Health (1978). 1999;53(2):105-111.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Adam Friedman MD FAAD ajfriedman@mfa.gwu.edu
