Readability and Quality of Online Patient Education Materials: Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation

OBJECTIVE: To assess the readability and quality of online patient education materials regarding thyroid radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: Google searches were conducted using six search terms related to thyroid radiofrequency ablation, and the top 50 webpages from each search were reviewed. Readability was assessed using eight widely used readability formulas, and quality was independently assessed by two raters using the validated DISCERN instrument. Webpages were categorized by source type and geographic origin. RESULTS: A total of 63 webpages were included, comprising academic (48%), private (38%), and industry (14%) sources. The majority (79%) originated from the United States. The mean grade reading level was 11.89 ± 1.67, and no individual webpage was written at or below the recommended sixth-grade level. Academic webpages were significantly more readable than private and industry sources across multiple readability formulas. Regarding quality, the mean total DISCERN score was 41.29 ± 7.79 out of 80, indicating poor to fair quality. Mean DISCERN subscores were 15.4 out of 40 for reliability, compared with 23.1 out of 35 for quality. CONCLUSION: The majority of webpages were written well above the average reading level of US adults, creating significant barriers to comprehension. In addition, many webpages scored poorly on reliability, demonstrated bias, and inadequately addressed procedural risks. Deficits in either readability or quality may undermine informed decision-making and informed consent. Artificial intelligence and validated quality assessment tools can help clinicians develop online materials that meet readability and quality standards. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.