Abstract
Background
Many patients diagnosed with prostate cancer search for information on robotic prostatectomy
(RobP) on the Web. We aimed to evaluate the qualitative characteristics of the mostly
frequented Web sites on RobP with a particular emphasis on provider-dependent issues.
Materials and Methods
Google was searched for the term “robotic prostatectomy” in Europe and North America.
The mostly frequented Web sites were selected and classified as physician-provided
and publically-provided. Quality was measured using Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, DISCERN score, and addressing of Trifecta surgical outcomes.
Popularity was analyzed using Google PageRank and Alexa tool. Accessibility, usability,
and reliability were investigated using the LIDA tool and readability was assessed
using readability indices.
Results
Twenty-eight Web sites were physician-provided and 15 publically-provided. For all
Web sites, 88% of JAMA benchmark criteria were fulfilled, DISCERN quality score was
high, and 81% of Trifecta outcome measurements were addressed. Popularity was average
according to Google PageRank (mean 2.9 ± 1.5) and Alexa Traffic Rank (median, 49,109;
minimum, 7; maximum, 8,582,295). Accessibility (85 ± 7%), usability (92 ± 3%), and
reliability scores (88 ± 8%) were moderate to high. Automated Readability Index was
7.2 ± 2.1 and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level was 9 ± 2, rating the Web sites as difficult
to read. Physician-provided Web sites had higher quality scores and lower readability
compared with publically-provided Web sites.
Conclusion
Websites providing information on RobP obtained medium to high ratings in all domains
of quality in the current assessment. In contrast, readability needs to be significantly
improved so that this content can become available for the populace.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 23, 2015
Accepted:
December 16,
2015
Received in revised form:
December 10,
2015
Received:
October 16,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
