Varicose veins on the internet

Abstract

Objectives: to evaluate the quality of information on the Internet concerning varicose veins.

Design: review of retrieved pamphlets and their scoring for educational value.

Materials: a sample of 41 documents were retrieved from the Internet using four "search engines".

Methods: characteristics, including country of origin, authorship, length, and presence of references were recorded. Based on factors such as disease summary, treatment options and complications a weighted score was created by two independent observers.

Results: eleven documents were published by an academic institution or professional organisation. Twenty-seven documents originated from private practice groups, the source of three was unidentifiable. The median weighted score was 21.5 (interquartile range: 7.5-48.5). Scores originating from non-profit making organisations were significantly higher than those from private practice groups (44.5 vs 13, p=0.04). The length of the document showed a significant positive correlation with its educational quality as measured by the information score (r=0.82, p<0.001).

Conclusion: there is a plethora of data concerning varicose veins on the Internet. Some documents offer comprehensive information but many are confusing or misleading. Longer pamphlets and information presented by non-profit making organisations are more reliable than short documents and information offered by private medical groups.