Evaluation of the content, quality, reliability and accuracy of YouTube videos regarding endotracheal intubation techniques

Abstract

Background: Today, the internet is widely used to obtain any type of information. The use of internet may facilitate healthcare professionals’ education as well.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the content, accuracy, reliability and quality of YouTube videos regarding intubation, one of the most important skills for healthcare professionals.

Materials and Methods: Of the 54,000 videos found using the keyword ‘intubation’, the first 50 were included in the study. The sources were divided into three categories: academicians, healthcare professionals and medical. The view ratio, like ratio, and video power index were used to determine the popularity while Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria were used for reliability. The extent of the information was evaluated based on the scoring system provided by us.

Results: The majority of the videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals (92%) including academicians. Twenty‑seven (54%) videos had training purposes. The information point was highest in the academic group (4.6 ± 2.7); however, there was no significance between groups (P = 0.2). The mean JAMA score was highest in the academic group (1.9 ± 0.8), with a statistical significance (P = 0.00055). The JAMA score and information points were significantly higher in training videos compared to non‑training videos (p=<0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Popularity ratios were similar between groups.

Conclusion: Videos regarding medical skills should be accurate. Information on YouTube regarding intubation is limited and is of low quality. The establishment of an organization authorized to evaluate the content, quality, accuracy and reliability of the information on the internet regarding medical skills is warranted.

Keywords: Information, internet, intubation, video, YouTube