title: An evaluation of web sites recommended by UK NHS consultants to patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at the first point of diagnosis.
abstract: METHODS
  An Internet-based evaluation of Web sites using a validated assessment tool.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the quality of information on scoliosis Web sites recommended by UK NHS consultants.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  One of the most common sources of inquiry on the Web is for the purposes of health-related information. The number of Web sites in the field of scoliosis has increased, yet the quality of information is reported to continue to be of poor quality. The 2 previous studies in this area identified Web sites for evaluation through the use of a single search term, "scoliosis," on the 5 most popular search engines.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven Web sites were identified for inclusion in this study from the results of a survey of UK NHS consultants. These were independently evaluated by 3 reviewers using a validated information assessment tool, the DISCERN instrument. DISCERN scores were analyzed for correlation between reviewers. Web sites were also analyzed for the presence or absence of the quality assurance certification, Health On the Net code.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant correlations between the DISCERN scores were found for reviewers 1 and 2 (τ = 0.878, P = 0.006) and reviewers 2 and 3 (τ = 0.732, P = 0.029). The highest mean cumulative score for all items achieved by any of the Web sites evaluated was 49 (maximum = 80, minimum = 15). Only one Web site was found to display the Health On the Net code.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Healthcare professionals should be aware of the content of Web sites that they recommend to patients. Web sites should be designed so the content suits patient needs. Web sites should be maintained such that content is up to date, evidence based, impartial, and written in plain language.
  
  
  METHODS
  N/A.
authors: Teesside University, Tees Valley, Middlesbrough, UK. s.wellburn@tees.ac.uk
authors: Shaun
authors: S
authors: Wellburn
authors: Josette
authors: J
authors: Bettany-Saltikov
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: van Schaik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003253:Consultants; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000592:standards*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D057386:Search Engine / Q000592:standards; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology