Quality of Information for Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence Treatments on YouTube

Abstract

Objective: To assess the quality of information on YouTube regarding post-prostatectomy incontinence treatments. The 2019 American Urological Association(AUA)/(SUFU) Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction guidelines recommend the placement of a male sling or artificial urinary sphincter. Patient education is essential for appropriate expectations and patient satisfaction.

Methods: The top 100 most relevant (default setting) YouTube videos searched with terms "post-prostatectomy incontinence" and "male stress incontinence" were assessed using the validated DISCERN instrument, Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials, and a misinformation Likert Scale. Videos with poor video/audio quality, duplicates, and non-English videos were excluded. Four independent raters were randomly assigned such that each video had 2 raters. Data was analyzed using multivariate linear regression, and inter-rater reliability was measured using Cohen's kappa.

Results: The median DISCERN score was 2.5 with 71% of videos scoring <=3. The median PEMAT Actionability and Understandability scores were 64.6 (range 0-100) and 79.9 (range 52-100), respectively. The median misinformation Likert score was 1 range (1-4). Less than half of the videos discussed realistic treatment outcomes or the risks (39% and 24%, respectively). PEMAT Actionability and risk discussion significantly predicted average DISCERN score (p < .001). There were no significant disagreements between raters.

Conclusion: Our study shows most videos on post-prostatectomy incontinence had moderate to low quality information and were published by medical professionals. The majority did not sufficiently discuss realistic outcomes and risks, which are hallmarks of informed decision making. This provides an opportunity for the urologic community to create educational materials that adequately supplement shared-decision making for patients treated for post-prostatectomy incontinence.