Online information for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) survivors and their families: A systematic appraisal of content and quality of websites

Joseph Weddell; Danielle Jawad; Thomas Buckley; Julie Redfern; Zarin Mansur; Natalie Elliott; Coral L Hanson; Robyn Gallagher

doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105372

Online information for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) survivors and their families: A systematic appraisal of content and quality of websites

Int J Med Inform. 2024 Apr:184:105372. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105372. Epub 2024 Feb 11.

Authors

Joseph Weddell¹, Danielle Jawad², Thomas Buckley³, Julie Redfern⁴, Zarin Mansur³, Natalie Elliott⁵, Coral L Hanson⁵, Robyn Gallagher³

Affiliations

¹ Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: joseph.weddell@sydney.edu.au.
² Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.
³ Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
⁴ Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
⁵ School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.

PMID: 38350180
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105372

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) survivors often seek information online. However, the quality and content of websites for SCAD survivors is uncertain. This review aimed to systematically identify and appraise websites for SCAD survivors.

Methods: A systematic review approach was adapted for websites. A comprehensive search of SCAD key-phrases was performed using an internet search engine during January 2023. Websites targeting SCAD survivors were included. Websites were appraised for quality using Quality Component Scoring System (QCSS) and Health Related Website Evaluation Form (HRWEF), suitability using the Suitability Assessment Method (SAM), readability using a readability generator, and interactivity. Content was appraised using a tool based on SCAD international consensus literature. Raw scores from tools were concerted to percentages, then classified variably as excellent through to poor.

Results: A total of 50 websites were identified and included from 600 screened. Overall, content accuracy/scope (53.3 ± 23.3) and interactivity (67.1 ± 11.5) were poor, quality was fair (59.1 ± 22.3, QCSS) and average (83.1 ± 5.8, HRWEF) and suitability was adequate (54.9 ± 13.8, SAM). The mean readability grade was 11.6 (±2.3), far exceeding the recommendations of ≤ 8. By website type, survivor affiliated and medically peer-reviewed health information websites scored highest. Appraisal tools had limitations, such as overlapping appraisal of similar things and less relevant items due to internet modernity.

Conclusion: Many online websites are available for SCAD survivors, but often have limited and/or inaccurate content, poor quality, are not tailored to the demographic, and are difficult to read. Appraisal tools for health website require consolidation and further development.

Keywords: Appraisal; Content; Quality; Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD); Suitability; Websites.

Publication types

Systematic Review
Review

MeSH terms

Comprehension
Consumer Health Information*
Coronary Vessels*
Humans
Internet
Search Engine