Assessing the readability and quality of online information on Bell's palsy.
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the readability and quality of current online information on Bell's palsy.
Method: A Google search using the terms 'Bell's palsy' and 'facial palsy' was performed separately. The first three pages of results were analysed. Readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, the Gunning-Fog Index and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook. Quality was assessed using the Discern tool. Spearman's correlation between quality and readability was calculated.
Results: A total of 31 websites met the inclusion criteria. The mean Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, the Gunning Fox Index and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook scores were 52.45 (95 per cent confidence interval = 47.01-57.86), 10.50 (95 per cent confidence interval = 9.42-11.58), 12.76 (95 per cent confidence interval = 11.68-13.85) and 9.36 (95 per cent confidence interval = 8.52-10.20), respectively. The average Discern score was 44 (95 per cent confidence interval = 40.88-47.12). A negligible correlation was noted between the Discern and Flesch Reading Ease Score (rs = -0.05, p = 0.80).
Conclusion: Online information on Bell's palsy is generally of fair quality but is written above the recommended reading age guidance in the UK.
Author
Citations
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Date
2022-12-16
Type
Article
Subject
Orthopaedics
Collections
Citation
Raja H, Fitzpatrick N. Assessing the readability and quality of online information on Bell's palsy. J Laryngol Otol. 2022 Dec 16:1-5. doi: 10.1017/S0022215122002626. Epub ahead of print.
Journal / Source Title
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
DOI
10.1017/S0022215122002626
PMID
36524547
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Publisher’s URL
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-laryngology-and-otology