Evaluating the educational quality of surgical YouTube® videos: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: YouTube® is the preferred source of junior trainees to prepare for surgeries. However, its educational utility is not yet determined. The objectives of this review are to assess the educational quality of YouTube® videos and to evaluate their quality and utility to complement surgical training. Methods: MEDLINE was searched for relevant articles which were screened by two independent reviewers using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Of 261 articles retrieved, 29 were included of which 96.6% reported unsatisfactory educational quality. Scarcity in standardized validated methods to assess the educational utility of YouTube® videos was identified. Video metrics (e.g., likes, views) do not necessarily correlate with the educational value of YouTube® videos. Conclusions: The educational quality of surgical YouTube® videos is inadequate, insufficient and heterogenous primarily due to its public nature. Developing a peer review process would improve the quality of uploaded videos. Moreover, academic entities should promote the development of high-quality content on open access platforms.

Keywords

• YouTube®
• Video
• Systematic review
• Surgical training
• Education
• Peer-review