Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the Internet as the main source of information for health content, the quality of websites with medical information is of high importance. OBJECTIVE: This study analysed 250 websites on acute ankle sprain (ASD), one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, for their quality and readability. Based on the results, a guide for patients was created. METHOD: The quality of the websites was assessed using a 25-item content score and the EQIP36 score for medical information material. The reading level could be determined using the Flesch-Kincaid index and the calculated readability. The best three websites were evaluated in a user survey. RESULTS: Of the 250 websites recorded 77 were included in the study. The quality of these varied significantly, with none achieving the maximum score. Sources in the healthcare system showed higher quality, while commercially influenced sites were below average in terms of completeness of content. Only 14% of the websites reached the recommended reading level. A significant negative correlation was found between completeness of content and readability. The user survey showed a mixed level of satisfaction and participants with previous medical knowledge were more critical than laypersons. CONCLUSION: Online resources about ASD are suboptimal and differ considerably. Deficiencies in content, readability and structure were identified, which limit the effective use by patients. Health information publishers should work harder to improve the comprehensibility and quality of the information provided.