Quality and readability of online resources on chronic ankle instability

Abstract

Background: Online resources on medical conditions often provide misleading or outdated information for patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of online patient information on ankle instability.

Methods: The terms "ankle instability", "ankle instability treatment" and "ankle laxity" were entered into the three largest internet search engines. The quality, accuracy and readability were evaluated using the EQIP36, a custom 25-item list and the Flesch-Kincaid-Score.

Results: The mean 25-item score of 102 included websites reached 10 ± 5, the mean EQIP36 score was 41 ± 11 and 96% of evaluated websites exceeded the recommended 8th-grade reading level for patient information. The quality was significantly higher with reading levels of college graduates (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Online resources on ankle instability are often inaccurate or at inappropriately high reading level. The quality and accuracy depend on the reading levels, with high reading levels providing more in-depth information. Foot and ankle surgeons should be aware of available online resources to direct patients to adequate websites.

Level of evidence: Level V.

Keywords: Ankle instability; Internet; Online; Patient information; Quality; Readability.