A new study published in Spinal Deformity examines information exchange about scoliosis on social media.
The study authors searched the word "scoliosis" on Facebook and examined the first 100 pages generated. They analyzed the content on discussion boards and personal blogs, assigning a scoliosis-specific content score and DISCERN criteria.
The SCSS scores ranged from zero to 32 and the DISCERN scores ranged from 16 to 80, with the higher scores being the better scores. The researchers found:
• 33 of the sites reviewed were discussion boards and personal blogs
• Overall SCSS score for personal blogs and discussion boards was 5.7
• Average DISCERN score for the discussion boards and personal blogs was 22.5
The scores indicate the overall quality of information on the blogs and discussion boards was poor.
"Using recognized scoring systems to analyze Facebook pages used as discussion forums or blogs, we showed that the quality in general was poor," concluded the study authors. "For modern practices to adapt to an era of information exchange via the social network, the orthopedic community should develop ways to incorporate social media in future patient education."