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. 2025 Feb 4;17(2):e78518.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.78518. eCollection 2025 Feb.

Evaluating the Effect of Video Source and Other Video Characteristics on the Quality, Reliability, Actionability, and Understandability of Videos on Acromioclavicular Joint Repair

Abdullah B Chandasir  1 , Justin T Skariah  1 , Justin D Abes  1 , Akshar Patel  1 , Mitchell J Lomis  1 , Noora S Chandasir  2 , Brett D Owens  3 , Stephen A Parada  1
Affiliations

Evaluating the Effect of Video Source and Other Video Characteristics on the Quality, Reliability, Actionability, and Understandability of Videos on Acromioclavicular Joint Repair

Abdullah B Chandasir et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate video quality, reliability, actionability, and understandability differences based on length, popularity, and source credentials (physician versus non-physician). The hypothesis suggests that current videos are of low quality and limited usefulness to patients, highlighting significant disparities based on the credentials of the video source.

Methods: The phrase "acromioclavicular joint separation" was searched on YouTube. The first 100 videos that populated were selected. Of those 100, 45 were excluded based on pre-existing criteria. Two reviewers watched and graded the included videos using four established, additive algorithmic grading scales. Grades for all included videos were analyzed using R software version 4.2.3.

Results: The mean Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) score was 2.32 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.74), with patient-made videos having a significantly lower reliability score (p = 0.008). The mean Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) understandability and actionability scores were 59.78% (SD = 15.28%) and 67.55% (SD = 15.28%) respectively. PEMAT actionability scores were positively correlated to views (p = 0.002). The average DISCERN score was 2.51 (SD = 0.70); longer videos were correlated with higher DISCERN scores (p = 0.047).

Conclusion: Analysis indicated that there were significant differences in reliability and understandability between video source types. Additionally, there was no correlation between quality and/or reliability and views, indicating that the YouTube algorithm is not an effective indicator of the quality of videos.

Keywords: acromioclavicular separation; patient education; sprain; student education; youtube™.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Search Methodology for YouTube Videos Pertaining to Acromioclavicular Joint Separation
Figure 2
Figure 2. Distribution of Videos by Uploader/Source Classification
Figure 3
Figure 3. Mean JAMA Benchmark Score by Uploader Classification
JAMA: Journal of American Medical Association
Figure 4
Figure 4. Correlation Between the Number of Subscribers and Mean PEMAT Understandability Score
PEMAT: Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool
Figure 5
Figure 5. Correlation Between the Number of Views Per Day and PEMAT Actionability Score
PEMAT: Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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