Assessment of the Accuracy of Online Information Regarding Trigger Finger

Background: Review of the recent literature suggests substantial use of the Internet by patients seeking health care information despite questionable accuracy and readability of information presented on some websites. The purpose of our study was to assess the accuracy, quality, and readability of online information regarding trigger finger.

Methods: Three terms (“trigger finger”, “stenosing tenosynovitis”, and “finger locking”) were used to query three Internet search engines to evaluate websites regarding information about trigger finger. Three hand surgery fellows independently assessed website accuracy and quality using standardized scoring criteria. The Fleisch-Kincaid reading grade level score was used to assess website readability. Website authorship and commercial association were also noted.

Results: Sixty-nine unique websites were assessed. Internet information obtained using the search term “stenosing tenosynovitis” was written at a significantly higher reading level than information found using “finger locking” or “trigger finger”. Website quality and accuracy were both significantly better in websites authored by physicians compared to websites authored by non-physicians. However, website accuracy was significantly poorer in websites featuring commercial association. Additionally, websites presenting information written below the 8^th grade reading level demonstrated poorer accuracy.

Conclusions: Search term has a significant effect on the readability of online information regarding trigger finger. Despite the terminology used in searches, most websites are largely inaccurate and may not be easily understandable by the general population. This demonstrates a substantial barrier to accessing accurate health care information and may impact patient outcomes. Hand surgeons should direct patients towards websites presenting accurate information with easily readable content.