Systematic review of online patient resources to support shared decision making for bariatric surgery. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Musbahi, A.; Brown, L.R.; Reddy, A.; Viswanath, Y.K.S.; Rao, M.; Gopinath, B.R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery. Volume 74(2020)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Bariatric surgery -- Online patient literature -- Shared decision-making; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.12.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9191

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and the associated comorbidities but carries a number of important risks. The Royal College of Surgeons advises patients to utilise online resources as part of the shared decision-making process. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of online materials on bariatric surgery. Methods: A systematic review was performed of online healthcare information relating to bariatric surgery. Common search terms were entered into three main search engines according to a defined search strategy. Websites were assessed according to readability (Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score), quality and content (DISCERN and IPDAS Scores) and standards of accreditation (HONcode and Information Standard Certification). This systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO database CRD42019132188. Results: The average readability of all sources extracted was higher than that recommended for patient literature. Over half the studies contained had received HONcode or Information Standard accreditation, suggesting a quality marker for the content. On grading of quality and content, across validated scoring tools, no source achieved the minimum recommended level. Conclusion: Patient information online related to bariatric surgery is of poor quality. Such resources require improvement to aid in the shared decision-making process. Highlights: Patients are frequently advised to utilise online resources as part of the shared decision making process. The average readability of online resources was higher than that recommended for patient literature. Patient information online related to bariatric surgery requires improvement to aid in the shared decision-making process.