Characterization and reliability of internet resources on pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals with chronic lung disease.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with lung disease commonly use the internet as a source of health information on pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). The objective of this study was to characterize internet resources on PR, and to assess the content, readability, and quality of patient-directed PR resources. METHODS: The first 200 websites for the search term 'pulmonary rehabilitation resources and exercise' were analyzed on Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Website content was assessed based on 30 key components of PR from the 2013 and 2021 international consensus statements. Website quality was determined using DISCERN, JAMA benchmarks, and Global Quality Scale (GQS). RESULTS: 66 unique PR websites were identified with the two most common categories being scientific resources (39%) and foundation/advocacy organizations (33%). The average reading level of websites was 11 ± 3. PR content varied significantly across websites (mean range 13.4-21.5). Median DISCERN total score and GQS score were 4 (IQR 3-4) and 3.5 (IQR 2-4), respectively, representing moderate-good quality. Foundation/advocacy websites had higher DISCERN and GQS scores compared to other websites. CONCLUSION: Foundation/advocacy websites had the highest quality and reliability metrics; however, the higher-than-recommended reading levels may compromise patient comprehension and utilization. This study provides critical insight on the current state of online PR health-related information.

Are Radiation Target Volumes for Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy Too Large? Initial Report of the Complication Avoidance of Reconstruction Implant Radiation Therapy (CARIT) Study.

Following mastectomy for breast cancer, women may choose implant-based reconstruction for many reasons, such as cosmesis, self-identity, and the ability to wear particular items of clothing. However, postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) can compromise these cosmetic goals, including as much as a 40% loss of implant rate. To minimize the risk of radiation toxicity, it is important to consider how clinical target volumes (CTVs) can be optimized in PMRT to preserve the implant and reduce complications. Typically, guidelines from organizations such as the Radiation Oncology Group are used, which include regions previously encompassed by tangential fields. This includes all structures below the pectoralis muscle, such as the chest wall, where the risk of recurrence is negligible; this technique often requires incidental inclusion of portions of the lung and heart plus circumferential radiation of the implant. We present the preliminary single institution case series of a technique of complication avoidance of reconstruction implant radiation therapy, called CARIT, where the chest wall, and a large proportion of the implant, is not irradiated. In a retrospective review of 30 cases in which CARIT has been attempted, it was found that 24% of patients treated required a second surgery due to Baker grade III/IV capsular contracture. Using the Modified Harvard Harris Cosmetic Scale, 66.5% of patients had cosmetic outcomes rated as "good" or "excellent". CARIT could offer a technique to reduce complications in postmastectomy implant-based reconstruction patients, with our next steps focusing on improving dosimetry, and formally comparing the cosmesis and tumor control aspects with commonly used techniques.