Analysis of the Accuracy and Quality of Information in YouTube Videos on Shoulder Dislocations and Reduction

Abstract

Aim: Shoulder instability is common in emergency departments. Various social media platforms provide health-related information, including YouTube. This study aimed to confirm the validity and quality of information in YouTube videos on shoulder dislocations/reduction using validated tools. Materials and Methods: A search was conducted on https: //www.youtube.com/ on February 1, 2023, using keywords “shoulder dislocations” and “shoulder reductions.” Videos uploaded in the previous year were listed, and information on video features, sources, and target audiences was recorded. Quality, reliability, and accuracy were independently evaluated by emergency medicine specialists using the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) score, DISCERN score, and Global Quality Score (GQS). Correlation analysis was performed between the video features, GQS, JAMA, and DISCERN scores. Results: A total of 103 videos were included, with a combined length of 37,298 s and 519,685 views. Academic institution-associated videos constituted 6.8%, whereas videos for physicians accounted for 55.3%. DISCERN scores for videos targeting physicians were higher than those for patients, but no significant differences were observed in GQS and JAMA scores (p=0.007, p=0.440, and p=0.455, respectively). Conclusions: YouTube, although frequently used for information, does not provide highly reliable information on shoulder dislocations/reductions.

Keywords

• emergency medicine
• shoulder dislocations
• shoulder reduction
• social media
• youtube