YouTube as a source of information on thoracic outlet syndrome: quality and reliability analysis

Zeynep Rukiye Yurttutmuş Tatlı; Demet Ferahman

doi:10.18621/eurj.1596399

Research Article

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 3, 564 - 573, 04.05.2025

Zeynep Rukiye Yurttutmuş Tatlı , Demet Ferahman

https://doi.org/10.18621/eurj.1596399

Abstract

References

1. Sanders RJ, Hammond SL, Rao NM. Diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. J Vasc Surg. 2007;46(3):601-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2007.04.050.
2. Landry GJ, Moneta GL, Taylor LM Jr, Edwards JM, Porter JM. Long-term functional outcome of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in surgically and conservatively treated patients. J Vasc Surg. 2001;33(2):312-317. doi: 10.1067/mva.2001.112950.
3. Masocatto NO, Da-Matta T, Prozzo TG, Couto WJ, Porfirio G. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a narrative review. Rev Col Bras Cir. 2019;46(5):e20192243. doi: 10.1590/0100-6991e-20192243.
4. Kuhn JE, Lebus V GF, Bible JE. Thoracic outlet syndrome. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2015;23(4):222-232. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-13-00215.
5. Grunebach H, Arnold MW, Lum YW. Thoracic outlet syndrome. Vasc Med. 2015;20(5):493-495. doi: 10.1177/1358863X15598391.
6. Amante DJ, Hogan TP, Pagoto SL, English TM, Lapane KL. Access to care and use of the Internet to search for health information: results from the US National Health Interview Survey. J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(4):e106. doi: 10.2196/jmir.4126.
7. van Uden-Kraan CF, Drossaert CH, Taal E, et al. Health-related Internet use by patients with somatic diseases: frequency of use and characteristics of users. Inform Health Soc Care. 2009;34(1):18-29. doi: 10.1080/17538150902773272.
8. Kocyigit BF, Akaltun MS, Sahin AR. YouTube as a source of information on COVID-19 and rheumatic disease link. Clin Rheumatol 2020;39(7):2049-2054. doi: 10.1007/s10067-020-05176-3.
9. Tarihci Cakmak E, Celik S. Characteristics, reliability, and quality of YouTube videos on meralgia paresthetica: a descriptive cross-sectional study. Acta Neurol Belg. 2024;124(4):1343-1351. doi: 10.1007/s13760-024-02567-0.
10. Özbek EA, Armangil M, Karaca MO, Merter A, Dursun M, Kocaoğlu H. Evaluation of the Reliability and Quality of Information in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Shared on YouTube. J Wrist Surg. 2021;11(4):295-301. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1735231.
11. Lama CJ, Hartnett DA, Donnelly JC, et al. YouTube as a Source of Patient Information for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: An Analysis of Video Reliability, Quality, and Content. Hand (N Y). 2024;19(6):986-994. doi: 10.1177/15589447231151428.
12. Aydin MA, Akyol H. Quality of Information Available on YouTube Videos Pertaining to Thyroid Cancer. J Cancer Educ. 2020;35(3):599-605. doi: 10.1007/s13187-019-01502-9.
13. Langford B, Hooten WM, D'Souza S, Moeschler S, D'Souza RS. YouTube as a Source of Medical Information About Spinal Cord Stimulation. Neuromodulation. 2021;24(1):156-161. doi: 10.1111/ner.13303.
14. Kunze KN, Cohn MR, Wakefield C, et al. YouTube as a Source of Information About the Posterior Cruciate Ligament: A Content-Quality and Reliability Analysis. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2019;1(2):e109-e114. doi: 10.1016/j.asmr.2019.09.003.
15. Kunze KN, Krivicich LM, Verma NN, Chahla J. Quality of Online Video Resources Concerning Patient Education for the Meniscus: A YouTube-Based Quality-Control Study. Arthroscopy. 2020;36(1):233-238. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.07.033.
16. Citisli V. Assessment of Diagnosis and Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, An Important Reason of Pain in Upper Extremity, Based on Literature. J Pain Relief 2015;4(2):173. doi: 10.4172/2167-0846.1000173.
17. Kwak D, Park JW, Won Y, Kwon Y, Lee JI. Quality and reliability evaluation of online videos on carpal tunnel syndrome: a YouTube video-based study. BMJ Open. 2022;12(4): e059239. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059239.
18. Ozsoy Unubol T, Alanbay Yagci E. YouTube as a source of information on fibromyalgia. Int J Rheum Dis 2021;24(2):197-202. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.14043.
19. Özcan F, Örücü Atar M. [Is YouTube a reliable and quality information source for plantar fasciitis?] J PMR Sci. 2022;25(3):355-361. doi: 10.31609/jpmrs.2022-91260. [Article in Turkish]
20. Alyanak B, Kablanoğlu S, Bağcıer S. YouTube as a Source of Information on Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Exercises: A Quality and Reliability Analysis. Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences 2024;27(3):156-162. doi: 10.31609/jpmrs.2023-99955.
21. Ertem U, Özçakır S, İrdesel FJ, Günay SM. YouTube as a source of information on piriformis syndrome exercises. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2022;69(1):15-22. doi: 10.5606/tftrd.2022.10459.
22. Chang MC, Park D. YouTube as a Source of Patient Information Regarding Exercises and Compensated Maneuvers for Dysphagia. Healthcare (Basel). 2021;9(8):1084. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9081084.
23. İşcan D, Aydın M. Quality and content analysis of tarsal tunnel syndrome videos on YouTube. J Health Sci Med 2024;7(4):477-481. doi: 10.32322/jhsm.1509313.
24. D'Souza RS, D'Souza S, Sharpe EE. YouTube as a source of medical information about epidural analgesia for labor pain. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2021;45:133-137. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.11.005.
25. Özyiğit E, Zure M, Bağcıer F. A Comprehensive Review of the Last 50 Years of Research on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Bibliometric Analysis. Comprehensive Medicine. 2024;16(4):226-231. doi: 10.14744/cm.2024.52207.
26. Clothier W, Treffalls JA, Tolbert PH, Harbin Z, Yan Q, Davies MG. Quality Assessment of Online Resources for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Patients. Ann Vasc Surg. 2022;85:96-104. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2022.04.009.

YouTube as a source of information on thoracic outlet syndrome: quality and reliability analysis

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 3, 564 - 573, 04.05.2025

Zeynep Rukiye Yurttutmuş Tatlı , Demet Ferahman

https://doi.org/10.18621/eurj.1596399

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and characteristics of the most-viewed YouTube videos on thoracic outlet syndrome and to identify differences in quality based on content and source.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted on YouTube using four keywords related to thoracic outlet syndrome. A total of 200 videos were initially selected, of which 75 met the inclusion criteria after excluding duplicates, non-English videos, off-topic content, and videos under one minute. Video characteristics, including views, likes, duration, content type, and source, were recorded. Reliability and quality were assessed using the modified DISCERN scale, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, and the Global Quality Scale.

Results: Among the analyzed videos, 46.7% were uploaded by non-physician health workers, 40% by physicians, and 13.3% by independent users. Disease-specific information constituted 50.7% of the content, while 20% focused on exercises, 17.3% on conservative management, and smaller percentages on patient experiences and surgical techniques. The median scores were modified DISCERN: 3.0, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria: 2.0, and Global Quality Scale: 3.0. Only 29.3% of the videos were categorized as high-quality, while the majority were of medium or low quality. All high-quality videos were found to have modified DISCERN>3. Positive correlations were identified between modified DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, and Global Quality Scale scores (P<0.05).

Conclusions: YouTube serves as a moderately reliable resource for information related to thoracic outlet syndrome; however, the overall quality remains suboptimal. To improve the availability of high-quality information, healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, should actively contribute to producing reliable and educational content on platforms like YouTube.

Keywords

YouTube, thoracic outlet syndrome, video quality, reliability, online health information

Ethical Statement

As the study exclusively analyzed publicly accessible videos without involving human participants or animals, ethics committee approval was deemed unnecessary, in accordance with similar studies in the field.

Thanks

We thank Dr. Çiğdem Çınar for her help with the statistical analysis.

References

1. Sanders RJ, Hammond SL, Rao NM. Diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. J Vasc Surg. 2007;46(3):601-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2007.04.050.
2. Landry GJ, Moneta GL, Taylor LM Jr, Edwards JM, Porter JM. Long-term functional outcome of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in surgically and conservatively treated patients. J Vasc Surg. 2001;33(2):312-317. doi: 10.1067/mva.2001.112950.
3. Masocatto NO, Da-Matta T, Prozzo TG, Couto WJ, Porfirio G. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a narrative review. Rev Col Bras Cir. 2019;46(5):e20192243. doi: 10.1590/0100-6991e-20192243.
4. Kuhn JE, Lebus V GF, Bible JE. Thoracic outlet syndrome. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2015;23(4):222-232. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-13-00215.
5. Grunebach H, Arnold MW, Lum YW. Thoracic outlet syndrome. Vasc Med. 2015;20(5):493-495. doi: 10.1177/1358863X15598391.
6. Amante DJ, Hogan TP, Pagoto SL, English TM, Lapane KL. Access to care and use of the Internet to search for health information: results from the US National Health Interview Survey. J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(4):e106. doi: 10.2196/jmir.4126.
7. van Uden-Kraan CF, Drossaert CH, Taal E, et al. Health-related Internet use by patients with somatic diseases: frequency of use and characteristics of users. Inform Health Soc Care. 2009;34(1):18-29. doi: 10.1080/17538150902773272.
8. Kocyigit BF, Akaltun MS, Sahin AR. YouTube as a source of information on COVID-19 and rheumatic disease link. Clin Rheumatol 2020;39(7):2049-2054. doi: 10.1007/s10067-020-05176-3.
9. Tarihci Cakmak E, Celik S. Characteristics, reliability, and quality of YouTube videos on meralgia paresthetica: a descriptive cross-sectional study. Acta Neurol Belg. 2024;124(4):1343-1351. doi: 10.1007/s13760-024-02567-0.
10. Özbek EA, Armangil M, Karaca MO, Merter A, Dursun M, Kocaoğlu H. Evaluation of the Reliability and Quality of Information in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Shared on YouTube. J Wrist Surg. 2021;11(4):295-301. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1735231.
11. Lama CJ, Hartnett DA, Donnelly JC, et al. YouTube as a Source of Patient Information for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: An Analysis of Video Reliability, Quality, and Content. Hand (N Y). 2024;19(6):986-994. doi: 10.1177/15589447231151428.
12. Aydin MA, Akyol H. Quality of Information Available on YouTube Videos Pertaining to Thyroid Cancer. J Cancer Educ. 2020;35(3):599-605. doi: 10.1007/s13187-019-01502-9.
13. Langford B, Hooten WM, D'Souza S, Moeschler S, D'Souza RS. YouTube as a Source of Medical Information About Spinal Cord Stimulation. Neuromodulation. 2021;24(1):156-161. doi: 10.1111/ner.13303.
14. Kunze KN, Cohn MR, Wakefield C, et al. YouTube as a Source of Information About the Posterior Cruciate Ligament: A Content-Quality and Reliability Analysis. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2019;1(2):e109-e114. doi: 10.1016/j.asmr.2019.09.003.
15. Kunze KN, Krivicich LM, Verma NN, Chahla J. Quality of Online Video Resources Concerning Patient Education for the Meniscus: A YouTube-Based Quality-Control Study. Arthroscopy. 2020;36(1):233-238. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.07.033.
16. Citisli V. Assessment of Diagnosis and Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, An Important Reason of Pain in Upper Extremity, Based on Literature. J Pain Relief 2015;4(2):173. doi: 10.4172/2167-0846.1000173.
17. Kwak D, Park JW, Won Y, Kwon Y, Lee JI. Quality and reliability evaluation of online videos on carpal tunnel syndrome: a YouTube video-based study. BMJ Open. 2022;12(4): e059239. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059239.
18. Ozsoy Unubol T, Alanbay Yagci E. YouTube as a source of information on fibromyalgia. Int J Rheum Dis 2021;24(2):197-202. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.14043.
19. Özcan F, Örücü Atar M. [Is YouTube a reliable and quality information source for plantar fasciitis?] J PMR Sci. 2022;25(3):355-361. doi: 10.31609/jpmrs.2022-91260. [Article in Turkish]
20. Alyanak B, Kablanoğlu S, Bağcıer S. YouTube as a Source of Information on Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Exercises: A Quality and Reliability Analysis. Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences 2024;27(3):156-162. doi: 10.31609/jpmrs.2023-99955.
21. Ertem U, Özçakır S, İrdesel FJ, Günay SM. YouTube as a source of information on piriformis syndrome exercises. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2022;69(1):15-22. doi: 10.5606/tftrd.2022.10459.
22. Chang MC, Park D. YouTube as a Source of Patient Information Regarding Exercises and Compensated Maneuvers for Dysphagia. Healthcare (Basel). 2021;9(8):1084. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9081084.
23. İşcan D, Aydın M. Quality and content analysis of tarsal tunnel syndrome videos on YouTube. J Health Sci Med 2024;7(4):477-481. doi: 10.32322/jhsm.1509313.
24. D'Souza RS, D'Souza S, Sharpe EE. YouTube as a source of medical information about epidural analgesia for labor pain. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2021;45:133-137. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.11.005.
25. Özyiğit E, Zure M, Bağcıer F. A Comprehensive Review of the Last 50 Years of Research on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Bibliometric Analysis. Comprehensive Medicine. 2024;16(4):226-231. doi: 10.14744/cm.2024.52207.
26. Clothier W, Treffalls JA, Tolbert PH, Harbin Z, Yan Q, Davies MG. Quality Assessment of Online Resources for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Patients. Ann Vasc Surg. 2022;85:96-104. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2022.04.009.

There are 26 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language	English
Subjects	Clinical Sciences (Other)
Journal Section	Original Articles
Authors	Zeynep Rukiye Yurttutmuş Tatlı 0000-0003-1944-3015 Demet Ferahman 0000-0002-0803-3814
Early Pub Date	February 16, 2025
Publication Date	May 4, 2025
Submission Date	December 7, 2024
Acceptance Date	December 28, 2024
Published in Issue	Year 2025 Volume: 11 Issue: 3

Cite

AMA	Yurttutmuş Tatlı ZR, Ferahman D. YouTube as a source of information on thoracic outlet syndrome: quality and reliability analysis. Eur Res J. May 2025;11(3):564-573. doi:10.18621/eurj.1596399

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