YouTube as a source of information on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) carries a higher risk of adverse events than standard endoscopy. Internet media platforms such as YouTube has emerged as a medical information source. Therefore, study aimed to identify whether YouTube videos provide appropriate information on ERCP to the general population. The YouTube search was performed using the terms endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and ERCP. The top 50 results of both searches, sorted by relevance and view count, were collected. After filtering according to a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 26 videos were eligible for the final analysis. For quality assessment, we created a scoring system called ERCP Data Quality score (E-DQS), based on a colonoscopy education video available on the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Healthcare professionals uploaded 14 (53.8%) videos, and 10 (38.6%) uploaded by medical websites. Only one video was uploaded by a layperson and one by a TV channel. The overall median E-DQS score for enrolled videos was 6.5 out of 20. The majority of videos did not describe the unique features of ERCP. Only 50% of videos informed viewers that patients would be irradiated and only six videos described at least one adverse event related to ERCP. ERCP videos on YouTube provide inadequate information regarding ERCP. Considering the unique characteristics of this procedure, professionals and academic societies need to be vigilant and proactive in producing and promoting high-quality videos.

Automated summary

The study found that the information provided in ERCP videos on YouTube is generally insufficient, with most videos failing to describe the unique features of the procedure and not adequately informing patients about the possibility of radiation and adverse events.