[Quality of childhood brain tumour information on the Internet in French language]

Abstract

The continuing growth of the Internet has transformed the access to medical information. However, there are still little data on the quality of e-Health information available. This study examined the content and readability of paediatric neuro-oncology information on the Internet in the French language. The first 30 uniform/universal resource locators (URLs) from each of six search engines using the search terms "medulloblastoma", "ependymoma", "craniopharyngioma", "brainstem glioma" and "low grade glioma" were retrieved for accuracy and evaluation when appropriate. Eligible web sites were rated using the Discern instrument and a 13-items checklist. Readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease score. Out of 815 sites visited, only 22 fulfilled the evaluation criteria. Most sites rated either fair (25%), poor (59%) or very poor (13%). The mean readability score was 19.8 (6-32), indicative of poor accessibility by readability and complex vocabulary content. The poor quality of e-Health information is not specific of Web sites in French. The role of cooperative groups and the Health Care System in providing and disseminating clear and compelling medical information is essential.