Information contained in miscarriage-related websites and the predictive value of website scoring systems.
OBJECTIVE
To identify websites providing information about early pregnancy loss and compare this information with published guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). The value of 'Silberg' and 'Health on the net (HON)' website scoring systems in predicting the information provided via websites identified was assessed.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Nineteen websites identified via two search engines (http://www.lycos.co.uk and http://www.msn.co.uk).


METHODS
Websites were searched for specific information in a structured manner and then scored by two independent observers against the website scoring systems and against a scoring system derived from guidelines published by the RCOG.


METHODS
Website scores against the scoring systems and against RCOG guidelines.


RESULTS
Information concerning miscarriage contained within these websites was poor and scored accordingly against the RCOG guidelines (median score, 4.5/8). The website scoring systems did not predict the RCOG scores for a website (HON score R(S)=0.193 (95% confidence interval from -0.286 to 0.595), Silberg score, R(S)=0.035 (95% confidence interval from -0.426 to 0.482)).


CONCLUSIONS
Few relevant websites were identified despite searching a large number via two search engines. The websites found did not answer our specific questions and consequently scored poorly against the RCOG guidelines. RCOG scores did not correlate with either scoring system. Web-based information for women attending with early pregnancy complications needs to be easily accessed and comprehensive. Written information given to women when seen with early pregnancy complications should include details of available comprehensive websites. Professional organisations, colleges or Government agencies should provide this type of information.
Hardwick
J Christopher R
JC
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, 16 Alexander Parade, G31 2ER, Glasgow, UK. jcrhardwick@doctors.org.uk
MacKenzie
Fiona M
FM
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D007255:Information Services / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results