Are Sinus Lifting Videos on YouTubeTM Useful for Patients?

Abstract

Objective: Patients now frequently use YouTubeTM to find information on health-related topics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality and adequacy of YouTubeTM content related to sinus lift surgery for patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the first 150 results of the search using the keyword 'sinus lift' on YouTubeTM were examined. By applying the inclusion criteria, 72 videos were evaluated and the content of these videos was analyzed by two independent researchers. While the content levels of the videos were evaluated with the Total Content Score (TCS), the content quality was evaluated with the Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), modified-DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) methods. Results: According to the criteria determined in this study, 18.1% of the videos were found to be of low quality, 63.8% of them were of medium quality, and 18.1% were of good quality. While procedure, material and indication categories were the most mentioned topics in the videos, complications, and post-operative findings were seen to be the least mentioned topics in the videos. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the total content score and video duration, number of likes, number of dislikes, number of comments, VIQI, and DISCERN scores. Conclusions: The content of the sinus lift-related YouTubeTM videos reviewed was of moderate quality. Specialists who perform sinus lift procedures should be aware of the information on the Internet and direct their patients to the most accurate and up-to-date sites.