Evaluation of the quality and reliability of using YouTube as a patient information source for gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculectomy: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculectomy, particularly in terms of their suitability for patient information. On April 1, 2025, 2 independent ophthalmologists (E.H.Ç. and M.O.), working in different locations, conducted a YouTube search using the keywords "Gonioscopy-guided transluminal trabeculectomy for patients" and "GATT for patients." The search was performed through the official YouTube website (https://www.youtube.com). Videos shorter than 60 seconds, without audio, unrelated to the topic, duplicates, or with disabled comment sections were excluded. These exclusion criteria were predetermined. After applying the criteria, the remaining videos were evaluated by the researchers, and statistical analysis was performed by an independent researcher (E.H.Ç.). The parameters assessed included the number of views, likes, dislikes, comments, time since upload, video duration, view rate, like rate, Video Power Index, video source, and content. Video quality and reliability were assessed using M.DİSCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and Global Quality Score (GQS) scoring systems. Out of 100 initially screened videos, 55 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 39 were uploaded by physicians, 9 by health-related channels, and 6 by medical centers. Regarding content, 32 videos showed actual surgeries, 15 were physician-oriented educational content, and 8 aimed to inform patients about surgical treatment. The interobserver agreement was high, with no significant differences in scoring (M.DİSCERN, JAMA, GQS; P > .05; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.894, 0.991, 0.914, respectively). The average M.DİSCERN score was 2.80 ± 1.13, JAMA score 2.96 ± 1.02, and GQS score 2.81 ± 1.07. The mean view rate was 280.58 ± 890.12, mean like rate 19.07 ± 32.19, and mean Video Power Index 350.26 ± 997.55. YouTube videos related to gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculectomy surgery are of moderate quality in terms of patient information and reliability. Considering the growing popularity of this minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, more high-quality, accurate, and patient-oriented videos should be produced and shared on digital platforms to improve patient education.