A scoping review to map public-facing websites for non-traumatic wrist disorders with quality evaluation

Introduction

Public-facing resources for non-traumatic wrist disorders (NTWD) exist, but care recipients and healthcare professionals alike are uncertain where to access the most useful resources and have raised concerns over the quality of information provided. Previous studies involving stakeholders highlight a need for quality evaluation of these resources. The aim of this study was to identify website resources accessible to UK-based online health seekers and explore their content through quality assessment.

Methods

A scoping review of public-facing websites was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR checklist. An a-priori search strategy was performed of publicly accessible websites using lay terms were entered into a simple Google search. The DISCERN tool was used to appraise the quality of health information with additional data charted to pre-determined criteria.

Results

The 82 websites meeting inclusion criteria scored an average of 2/5 DISCERN. Nine funding categories existed with private service websites were the most common. 18 different diagnoses were found with twenty different management interventions were recommended.

Conclusion

Considerable variation was found in the quality of websites providing information which people with NTWD are likely to access. Quality and trustworthiness of website information on NTWD are not the preserve of any sector or organisation and we identified potential for improvements across the board.