Revision total hip arthroplasty: An analysis of the quality and readability of information on the internet

Abstract

The demand for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasing. Information quality on the internet has been extensively analysed in relation to primary THA but no such analysis has ever been performed for revision THA. Our aim was to assess the quality and readability of this information. Three major internet search engines were searched for information on revision THA. All websites were assessed for quality of information using the DISCERN score, the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria and a novel scoring system specific to revision THA [Vancouver Revision Arthroplasty Information (VRAI) score]. Website readability was assessed, as was presence of the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) seal. The majority of websites (52%) were academic with a post-graduate reading level. Only 6.5% of websites had the HON seal. Twenty-eight percent of websites had a 'good' DISCERN score and only 28% had a 'good' score with the novel VRAI scoring system. Health information websites had significantly higher rates of 'good' VRAI scores (P = 0.008). Websites with the HON seal had significantly higher DISCERN scores (P = 0.01). All governmental websites were at a reading level suitable for patient review. Information on the internet relating to revision THA is of low quality, much lower than the quality of information on primary THA. We recommend governmental websites for their readability and health information websites for their quality of information specific to revision THA. Websites with the HON seal provide higher quality information and should be recommended to patients as reading material regarding revision THA.

Keywords: Arthroplasty; Hip; Internet; Quality; Readability; Revision.