Quality of the patient-oriented web-based information on esophageal cancer.

This study was aimed to analyze the readability and quality of patient education websites on esophageal cancer. Yahoo!, Google, and Bing search engines were searched using keywords esophageal cancer, esophageal tumor, esophageal tumor, esophageal malignancy, esophageal cancer, esophageal tumor, esophageal tumor, and esophageal malignancy. The first 50 websites resulting in each keyword search were evaluated using validated FRES, LIDA, and DISCERN scores to assess readability, usability, and reliability, and quality of information, respectively. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. A total of 108 eligible websites were included in the analysis. Thirty (27.8%) out of the 108 eligible web sites had obtained Health on the Net (HON) code certification. The median FRES score of the included websites was 48.25 out of 100 (range: 15.6-70.1). The median LIDA usability and reliability scores were 46.5 out of 54 (range: 22-54) and 39.0 out of 51 (range: 10-51), respectively. The median DISCERN score was 50.5 out of 80 (range: 23-79). A low DISCERN score (≤ 50%) was found in 50% (n = 54) of the websites. The DISCERN score was found to be significantly associated with LIDA usability, reliability, LIDA overall scores (p < 0.001), and HON code certification (p = 0.01). The quality of the websites providing patient-centered information on the Internet ranged between moderate and low with regards to readability, usability, and reliability scores. Better informed decisions on treatment may be facilitated with the access to good quality information online. Therefore, strategies need to be implemented to regulate and standardize websites to provide good quality, accurate information.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute pancreatitis following spinal surgery: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study reviewed the current evidence on the clinical characteristics and outcome of acute pancreatitis (AP) following spinal surgery. METHODS: A systematic search was performed to identify English articles published through May 2020 in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Latin American & Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, and Cochrane Library. Data on clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven papers (including six case reports) were included, with 306 patients (incidence, 23.0%) developing AP after spinal surgery (mean age, 14.2 years). Of the studies that specified symptoms (55 patients), abdominal pain (43.6%), nausea and vomiting (32.7%), and abdominal distension (7.27%) were most prevalent. The mean duration from surgery to symptom onset was 6.15 days (range, 1-7). The most common complications of AP were glucose intolerance (25%), peritonitis (2%), pseudocyst formation (2%), and fluid collection (2%) were most prevalent. Prolonged fasting time (13.6%), intraoperative blood loss (9.09%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (9.1%), age >14 years (9.1%), and low BMI (9.1%) were most commonly associated with AP. Two deaths (0.6%) were reported. CONCLUSION: AP remains an important complication of spinal surgery because of its morbidity and mortality. Avoiding major risk factors can reduce the incidence of AP following spinal surgery.

Quality of online information for the general public on COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the quality of information included in websites aimed at the public on COVID-19. METHODS: Yahoo!, Google and Bing search engines were browsed using selected keywords on COVID-19. The first 100 websites from each search engine for each keyword were evaluated. Validated tools were used to assess readability [Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES)], usability and reliability (LIDA tool) and quality (DISCERN instrument). Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Eighty-four eligible sites were analysed. The median FRES score was 54.2 (range: 23.2-73.5). The median LIDA usability and reliability scores were 46 (range: 18-54) and 37(range:14-51), respectively. A low (<50 %) overall LIDA score was recorded for 30.9 % (n = 26) of the websites. The median DISCERN score was 49.5 (range: 21-77). The DISCERN score of ≤50 % was found in 45 (53.6 %) websites. The DISCERN score was significantly associated with LIDA usability and reliability scores (p < 0.001) and the FRES score (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The majority of websites on COVID-19 for the public had moderate to low scores with regards to readability, usability, reliability and quality. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Prompt strategies should be implemented to standardize online health information on COVID-19 during this pandemic to ensure the general public has access to good quality reliable information.