Evaluation of the Reliability, Utility, and Quality of the Information in Sleeve Gastrectomy Videos Shared on Open Access Video Sharing Platform YouTube

Background The internet is a widely used source for obtaining medical information both by patients and physicians. YouTube (R) is a valuable information resource which can improve the learning experience of both public and medical professionals if appropriately used. In this study, we want to evaluate quality and accuracy of videos about sleeve gastrectomy procedure. Methods We included the first 100 videos returned by YouTube (R) search engine in response to sleeve gastrectomy keyword query to the study. The popularity of the videos was evaluated with an index called the video power index (VPI). Educational quality of videos was measured using the DISCERN score (DISCERN), Journal of American Medical Association (JAMAS) benchmark criteria, and Global Quality Scores (GQS). The technical quality was measured by Sleeve Gastrectomy Scoring System (SGSS) which was utilized by three bariatric surgeons. Results The source in 31% of the videos was a patient. The content in 53% of the videos was surgical technique. According to sources, videos uploaded by a university-affiliated physician had significantly higher DISCERN, JAMAS, GQS, and SGSS scores. Videos uploaded by a university-affiliated physician also had lower video power index than videos uploaded by patients. Surgical technique videos had significantly higher DISCERN, JAMAS, GQS, and SGSS scores. Patient experiences and advertisement videos had higher VPI scores. Also, negative correlations were found between video power index and JAMAS, GQS, and SGSS scores. Conclusions Online information on sleeve gastrectomy is of low quality, and its contents are of unknown source and accuracy. However, educational potential of YouTube (R) cannot be ignored.