Content quality of ophthalmic information on the internet.

PURPOSE

Little is known whether information about eye conditions on the Internet is complete and accurate to support patient or layman decision making.

METHODS

Quality of content modules about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was analyzed on 20 web sites. Content analysis covered 72 criteria in 11 groups. Each single criterion was rated with '1' or '0' (yes/no answer).

RESULTS

The interrater reliability between two observers was almost perfect (kappa = 0.86). On average, 25.6% (+/-15.6) of the criteria were fulfilled. In the categories diagnostic procedures, therapy, preventive checkups, prevention and prognosis of AMD, only 12.7, 18.3, 20.0, 25.0 and 30.0%, respectively, of the required content was given.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows, based upon the example of university eye hospitals, that the full potential to provide laymen with firsthand and up-to-date information has by far not yet been achieved. Further research is needed on how the Internet influences the communication between patient and ophthalmologist.