A scoping review investigating the quality of online concussion resources for adults

BACKGROUND: Online health-information gathering has become a hallmark of modern society and has the potential to positively impact health outcomes. This study examines the accuracy and quality of online resources for adults with concussion. METHODS: A scoping review of online Canadian and American concussion websites was conducted to identify adult concussion resources, which were then screened for accuracy, according to the Living Concussion Guideline. All eligible resources were then assessed using the SMOG tool, for readability, and the PEMAT tool, for understandability and actionability. RESULTS: Out of 256 resources sourced, 193 were determined to be accurate and underwent quality assessments. The mean scores were as follows: total PEMAT (71%), understandability (76%), actionability (57%), and SMOG (school-grade 11.25). Five print resources were considered high quality for both tools, and four videos were identified as high quality based on understandability and actionability. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy, quality, and readability of online concussion resources remain poor in general, with some notable exceptions. Highest quality resources had a clear purpose, information presented in small sections, active voice, and less than grade 10 reading levels. It is the responsibility of those creating online resources for patients to ensure they use current information and adhere to specific design elements.