Quality and Readability of Online Educational Mohs Micrographic Surgery Resources

Abstract

BACKGROUND As internet access continues to expand, online health care information is increasingly influencing patient decisions. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is commonly used in the field of dermatology but may be unfamiliar to many patients. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze online educational resources regarding MMS and learn how to optimize the understanding and informational content of MMS for patients and their families. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two websites were evaluated for authorship, quality, and readability using DISCERN, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, and Flesch–Kincaid tests. RESULTS Physician-authored content showed a trend toward higher quality (p = .058). Google scored higher in specific DISCERN questions when overlapping websites were excluded. Bing scored higher in JAMA criteria (p = .03) in criteria such as authorship and currency. Higher DISCERN scores correlated with lower readability. CONCLUSION Physician involvement improves content quality, raising questions about physicians' responsibility in online resource creation. Correlations between content quality and readability highlight potential challenges for certain demographics. Balancing medical accuracy with comprehensibility is crucial for equitable patient education. This study underscores the need to refine online resources, ensuring accurate, transparent, and accessible health care information.