Quality of online information to support patient decision-making in breast cancer surgery

• Published in: Journal of surgical oncology 2015-11, Vol.112 (6), p.575-580
• Main Authors: Bruce, Jordan G., Tucholka, Jennifer L., Steffens, Nicole M., Neuman, Heather B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - surgery; Decision Making; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; information; Information Dissemination - methods; internet; Internet - standards; Mastectomy; Medical Informatics - methods; Medical Informatics - standards; Patient Education as Topic; Quality Control
• ISSN: 0022-4790; 1096-9098
• DOI: 10.1002/jso.24046

Background Breast cancer patients commonly use the internet as an information resource. Our objective was to evaluate the quality of online information available to support patients facing a decision for breast surgery. Methods Breast cancer surgery‐related queries were performed (Google and Bing), and reviewed for content pertinent to breast cancer surgery. The DISCERN instrument was used to evaluate websites' structural components that influence publication reliability and ability of information to support treatment decision‐making. Scores of 4/5 were considered “good.” Results 45 unique websites were identified. Websites satisfied a median 5/9 content questions. Commonly omitted topics included: having a choice between breast conservation and mastectomy (67%) and potential for 2nd surgery to obtain negative margins after breast conservation (60%). Websites had a median DISCERN score of 2.9 (range 2.0–4.5). Websites achieved higher scores on structural criteria (median 3.6 [2.1–4.7]), with 24% rated as “good.” Scores on supporting decision‐making questions were lower (2.6 [1.3–4.4]), with only 7% scoring “good.” Conclusion Although numerous breast cancer‐related websites exist, most do a poor job providing women with essential information necessary to actively participate in decision‐making for breast cancer surgery. Providing easily‐ accessible, high‐quality online information has the potential to significantly improve patients' experiences with decision‐making. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:575–580. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.