bims-librar Biomed News
on Biomedical librarianship
Issue of 2026–06–07
thirty-six papers selected by
Thomas Krichel, Open Library Society
  1. National Agricultural Library (NAL) SEARCH.
  2. Smart library personalized resource proactive recommendation system integrating user profiling and knowledge graphs.
  3. The Sieve of Asclepius: A History of Navigating the Medical Literature, From Index to Algorithm.
  4. From information literacy to health literacy: AI-driven transformation in university libraries under digital public health-a perspective.
  5. The library.
  6. IID-KG: An ontology-aligned literature-derived knowledge graph for infectious and immune-mediated diseases.
  7. Patient-Provider Discussions About Online Health Information in the Health Information National Trends Survey.
  8. Investigating Digital Health Information Literacy Effects on Public Hospitals' Nursing Personnel Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  9. Safeguarding quality in health and medical science information today.
  10. The Validity and Reliability of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in the Self-management of Diabetes.
  11. Evaluating large language models for ADHD education: A comparative study of ChatGPT 5, DeepSeek V3, and Grok 4.
  12. How does ChatGPT respond to stuttering-related frequently asked questions? A mixed-methods, cross-version comparison.
  13. ChatGPT Versus Custom-Trained Chatbot for Urogynecology Surgery Counseling.
  14. Evaluation of ChatGPT-5.2 responses to frequently asked questions about benign bone tumors.
  15. Quality and Readability of ChatGPT Performance on Parkinson's Disease.
  16. Evaluation of the quality of information provided by ChatGPT on distal biceps repair surgery.
  17. The efficacy of ChatGPT as a student resource for the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain.
  18. Quality of AI-generated post-operative patient education after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: A comparative analysis.
  19. Comparing the Readability and Usability of Patient Education Materials Generated by Different Large Language Models: ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini.
  20. A Patient-centered Approach to Analyzing the Quality, Credibility, and Readability of Spanish-language Online Patient Educational Materials on Pediatric Scoliosis.
  21. Online patient education in breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of readability, quality, usability, and cultural representation.
  22. Systematic review of the quality, readability, and reliability of web-based pediatric neurosurgical patient education information.
  23. [The internet as a source of information for patients with sarcoidosis].
  24. Mapping the digital landscape: A systematic environmental scan and evaluation of online resources about recovery after intensive care.
  25. Exploring one aspect of family-centered practice: Readability of written documents to support parental understanding and decision-making regarding cochlear implants.
  26. Quality and reliability of YouTube videos on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A cross-sectional study.
  27. Evaluating YouTube content on dental lasers: a clinical application-based quality and reliability study.
  28. Analysis of the quality and reliability of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo-related short videos on TikTok and Bilibili: A cross-sectional study.
  29. Alcohol-related health information on Chinese short-video platforms: a cross-sectional content analysis of Douyin and Bilibili.
  30. The quality and content of cerebral aneurysm related short videos on Douyin: a cross-sectional observational study.
  31. A cross-sectional assessment of the quality and reliability of sleep disorder information on Douyin (TikTok in China).
  32. Content analysis of TikTok videos about tick prevention methods for dogs and cats.
  33. Associations and Pathways Between Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior and Patient Adherence: Cross-Sectional Study.
  34. Associations of Online Health Information Seeking Behavior (OHISB) with chronic disease literacy and prevalence among adults in Shanghai, China.
  35. Curiosity and evidence quality affect information seeking and eye movements during reading.
  36. Health Communication Patterns in Breast Implant Illness Content on TikTok: A DISCERN-based Analysis by Creator Type.
  1. Med Ref Serv Q. 2026 Jun 03. 1-14
    National Agricultural Library (NAL) SEARCH.
    Leah Everitt, Sonya Lemke.
      SEARCH is the USDA National Agricultural Library (NAL)'s main discovery platform that provides integrated access to the NAL Digital Collections, Special Collections, PubAg and AGRICOLA. NAL SEARCH is a valuable tool for health science librarians, students, and professionals seeking veterinary science, nutrition, or animal experiment alternatives. This article aims to give users a comprehensive overview of this resource.
    Keywords:  Agricola; National Agricultural Library; PubAg; online database; review
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/02763869.2026.2672484
  2. Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 03.
    Smart library personalized resource proactive recommendation system integrating user profiling and knowledge graphs.
    Fei Xu.
      The resource recommendation service of smart libraries is facing a dual dilemma of imprecise perception of user needs and passivity in recommendation patterns. Existing approaches mostly adopt classical paradigms of collaborative filtering or content-based filtering, exhibiting notable limitations in the following aspects: user profiles primarily rely on single-dimensional borrowing or retrieval behavioral data without integrating academic characteristics such as disciplinary backgrounds and research stages; knowledge graphs are mostly confined to collection metadata without embedding disciplinary ontologies and citation networks, limiting the mining of cross-domain resource semantic associations; and recommendation mechanisms lack context-aware proactive push capabilities, with recommendation timing being disconnected from readers' research rhythms and interest evolution trajectories. To address these issues, this paper proposes a smart library personalized resource proactive recommendation system that integrates multi-dimensional user profiling with a disciplinary knowledge graph. At the user modeling level, the system incorporates readers' borrowing records, retrieval logs, disciplinary backgrounds, and temporal behavioral patterns, employing a multi-head attention mechanism to achieve adaptive weighted fusion of multi-source heterogeneous features, and capturing the dynamic evolution trajectory of user interests through a gated recurrent unit. At the knowledge representation level, a library resource knowledge graph that fuses collection metadata, disciplinary ontologies, and citation networks is constructed, with a graph attention network employed for embedding learning of higher-order semantic relationships. Compared with GCN, GAT can adaptively assign differentiated aggregation weights to different neighbor nodes, making it more suitable for the library knowledge graph where different relation types contribute unevenly to recommendation. At the recommendation strategy level, a context-aware proactive recommendation mechanism based on interest drift detection is designed, which determines the optimal push timing by monitoring temporal changes in user profiles. The interest drift threshold is optimized through grid search on the validation set, and three types of contextual signals - access context, research stage, and interest drift - are fused through a gated aggregation mechanism to jointly trigger proactive push. Experimental results on a university library dataset demonstrate that the proposed method achieves 16.02% and 11.64% on Recall@10 and NDCG@10, respectively, representing improvements of 4.87% and 5.23% over the best-performing baseline methods. The push acceptance rate of proactive recommendations reaches 38.9%, significantly outperforming the random push strategy. Ablation experiments validate the effectiveness of each core module, with the knowledge graph module making the most prominent contribution to recommendation accuracy, primarily because it mines cross-domain resource correlations through disciplinary ontologies and citation networks that traditional metadata-based methods cannot capture.
    Keywords:  Graph attention network; Knowledge graph; Proactive recommendation; Smart library; User profiling
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54361-y
  3. Ann Intern Med. 2026 Jun 02.
    The Sieve of Asclepius: A History of Navigating the Medical Literature, From Index to Algorithm.
    Andrew S Lea, Scott H Podolsky.
      For centuries, physicians have lamented the proliferating medical literature. This article traces the evolving strategies by which physicians have attempted to render this literature navigable for the purposes of research, teaching, and patient care. Beginning with John Shaw Billings' foundational indexing work at the Library of the Surgeon General's Office, the article examines successive (and overlapping) search regimes-including personal curation practices, abstract journals, pharmaceutical industry information services, citation indexing, and computerized retrieval systems-analyzing how each embedded value judgments about what counted as important or useful medical knowledge. Even as systems of search have evolved over time in conjunction with new technologic capabilities, business models, and search-related behavioral patterns, they have also grappled with enduring tensions between selectivity and comprehensiveness, between commercialism and scientific merit, and among the very boundaries of the conditions to be categorized and navigated. This history underscores how systems of search are not external maps of the knowledge ecosystem but are constitutive of it, influencing everything from journal rankings to research priorities to clinical practice. As literature search becomes integrated with artificial intelligence capabilities, a historical perspective helps physicians appreciate how such technologies condition what they know.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7326/ANNALS-26-00931
  4. Front Public Health. 2026 ;14 1841351
    From information literacy to health literacy: AI-driven transformation in university libraries under digital public health-a perspective.
    Ya-Xin Sun, Li-Ying Wu.
      In the context of digital public health, the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into health information environments challenges the adequacy of traditional information literacy frameworks in academic libraries. This perspective article argues for a transition from information literacy to AI-mediated health literacy education. It clarifies the conceptual distinctions between these two constructs, analyzes the AI-driven mechanisms reshaping educational paradigms, and identifies key institutional, technological, professional, and evaluative challenges. The article further proposes practical pathways that include mission reorientation, professional capacity building, platform development, collaborative governance, and evaluation system construction. This study advances existing literature by proposing an integrated, AI-mediated framework. This framework reconceptualizes health literacy within the context of digital public health. It also operationalizes this transformation through three interconnected dimensions: technological, educational, and governance-related. By outlining a theoretical framework and actionable strategies, it positions academic libraries as essential infrastructure for health literacy cultivation, contributing to health promotion and equity in an increasingly digital age.
    Keywords:  artificial intelligence; digital public health; health communication; health literacy; information literacy; university library
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1841351
  5. Lancet Haematol. 2026 Jun;pii: S2352-3026(26)00137-7. [Epub ahead of print]13(6): e361
    The library.
    Talal Hilal.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3026(26)00137-7
  6. bioRxiv. 2026 May 26. pii: 2026.05.21.727015. [Epub ahead of print]
    IID-KG: An ontology-aligned literature-derived knowledge graph for infectious and immune-mediated diseases.
    Feng Pan, Yuan Zhang, Jianan Wang, Ming-Chieh Liu, Xin Sui, Han Yue, Jinfeng Zhang.
      Infectious and immune-mediated diseases (IIDs) represent a broad and rapidly expanding biomedical literature domain in which scalable evidence extraction, disease ontology refinement, and interpretable knowledge integration are essential for biomedical discovery. We constructed an IID-specific biomedical knowledge graph (IID KG) from PubMed abstracts and PMC full-text articles by integrating nested named entity recognition, ontology-guided identifier assignment, full-text relation extraction, and relation-resolution strategies. A gold-standard corpus of 500 PubMed abstracts and 8 PMC full-text articles was manually annotated for nested biomedical entities across six entity types. The resulting models were applied to 30,128,068 PubMed abstracts and 1,385,500 IID-related PMC full-text articles. A unified IID ontology was developed from 411,341 disease terms using hierarchical text classification, large language model-based refinement, ontology cross-referencing, and expert review, yielding 179,657 confirmed MeSH mappings. The final IID KG contains approximately 1,837,513 unique entities and 16,295,390 unique relations across eight relation types. The resource was released publicly together with repurposing workflows, supporting ontology-aligned literature mining, disease mechanism analysis, and drug-repurposing hypothesis generation for IID research.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.21.727015
  7. Health Educ Behav. 2026 May 30. 10901981261448685
    Patient-Provider Discussions About Online Health Information in the Health Information National Trends Survey.
    Nicole Senft Everson, Anna Gaysynsky.
      Online health information-seeking is common and can impact patient-provider interactions. Using Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data from 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2024 (n = 20,292), this study assessed trends in the percentage of Americans who reported discussing online health information with health care providers in the past year. Next, 2024 HINTS data (n = 6,350) assessed perceptions of provider openness, provider respectfulness, and impact on patient-provider interactions among those who discussed online health information with a provider. Multivariable logistic regressions tested associations of demographic, internet, health, and healthcare-related factors with occurrence and perceptions of online health information discussions. Online health information discussions increased from 2005 (25.87%) to 2024 (36.40%). In 2024, most respondents who discussed online health information with a provider perceived those discussions positively, but approximately 14% did not perceive their provider as open or respectful, and 9% reported that discussing online information made their interactions with providers worse. Odds of discussing online information were greater among those reporting high internet search skills (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-2.24) or perceived past medical discrimination (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.25-2.43), but lower among adults aged 65+ (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.49-0.84). Odds of perceiving provider openness were higher among those reporting high internet search skills (aOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.09-4.97), high patient-centeredness (aOR = 6.69, 95% CI = 4.57-9.80), or excellent quality of care (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.04-2.69) in the past year. Ensuring that patients feel comfortable bringing internet research to providers and that providers respond with openness and respect may strengthen patient-provider relationships and encourage patient engagement, especially among patients with limited internet search skills.
    Keywords:  digital literacy; health communication; internet search skills; online information-seeking; patient-centered care; patient–provider communication
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/10901981261448685
  8. Creat Nurs. 2026 Jun 02. 10784535261453095
    Investigating Digital Health Information Literacy Effects on Public Hospitals' Nursing Personnel Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic.
    Christina Vaina, Angeliki Flokou, Maria Elisavet Psomiadi, Petros Kostagiolas.
      This study investigated the relationship between health information-seeking behavior (HISB), digital health literacy, and fear of COVID-19 among Greek nursing staff during the pandemic. Utilizing a cross-sectional design grounded in Wilson's Model of Information-Seeking Behavior, a structured questionnaire was administered to 120 licensed professionals at a regional general hospital. The primary objective was to examine how informational needs and literacy levels correlated with psychological responses, specifically the fear of the virus. Results indicated that nursing staff were highly motivated to seek information regarding COVID-19 treatments and patient protocols. Younger and less experienced staff favored official sources, such as journals and formal training. While overall levels of fear of COVID-19 were generally low, significant variations emerged based on demographics; male staff and those aged over 51 reported higher anxiety. Furthermore, fear of COVID-19 was found to be negatively correlated with satisfaction with available information. These findings emphasized the necessity of empowering digital health literacy and tailoring informational resources to mitigate fear and enhance professional preparedness during public health crises.
    Keywords:  COVID-19; Health information needs; digital information sources; fear of COVID; health information literacy; health information-seeking behaviors; nurses
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/10784535261453095
  9. Patient Educ Couns. 2026 May 26. pii: S0738-3991(26)00228-4. [Epub ahead of print]150 109695
    Safeguarding quality in health and medical science information today.
    Scott C Ratzan, Rebecca K Ivic, Kenneth H Rabin, Ruth M Parker, Sara Rubinelli, Rafael Obregon, Lawrence O Gostin, Michael G Baker, Samantha Thomas, Don Nutbeam, Ilona Kickbusch, J Gregory Payne, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Kirsten J McCafery, Richard L Street, Sir Cary Copper.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2026.109695
  10. Comput Inform Nurs. 2026 Jun 01.
    The Validity and Reliability of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in the Self-management of Diabetes.
    Feyza Dereli, Julide Gulizar Yildirim.
      Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly used to support diabetes self-management, yet their validity and reliability require systematic evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the validity and reliability of chatbot-generated responses to frequently asked questions in diabetes self-management. Five questions aligned with diabetes self-management parameters (knowledge/diagnosis, partnership in treatment, symptom recognition and management, and coping) were posed to 6 AI chatbots. Two experts assessed the responses using the Global Quality Score. Inter-rater reliability was analyzed using kappa statistics. Validity was evaluated via independent sample t test, Cronbach's alpha, and intraclass correlation coefficients. Google Gemini showed perfect agreement for both validity/usefulness and reliability (K=1.000, P=.002), as well as test-retest reliability (α=0.929, 86.3% agreement). ChatGPT 4.0 demonstrated perfect inter-rater agreement for validity for the usefulness (α=1.00, 100% agreement; K=1, P<.01) and 57.8% agreement (α=0.76; K=0.545, P>.05). However, it showed low reliability for test-retest. All chatbots were generally useful and reliable in symptom recognition and coping domains. Google Gemini provided superior information for diabetes self-management compared with other chatbots. However, due to rapid technological changes, continuous expert evaluations are recommended to ensure accuracy, reliability, usefulness, and ethical compliance.
    Keywords:  artificial intelligence; chatbot; diabetes mellitus; patient care
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000001573
  11. PLoS One. 2026 ;21(6): e0335335
    Evaluating large language models for ADHD education: A comparative study of ChatGPT 5, DeepSeek V3, and Grok 4.
    Xingmin Han, Ruirui Xing, Mi Zhou.
       BACKGROUND: Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often face barriers to participating in organized sports, particularly when physical education (PE) is delivered by outsourced coaches with limited training in disability inclusion. Meanwhile, large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Grok are increasingly used to generate educational content, yet their readability, stability, and accuracy for non-specialist educators remain unclear.
    METHODS: This study systematically compared three advanced LLMs, ChatGPT 5, DeepSeek V3, and Grok 4, using identical prompts related to ADHD definitions, symptoms, and medication-exercise interactions. Thirty responses per model were collected. The primary endpoints were content accuracy, readability, and response stability. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score (FKRE), the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), alongside measures of lexical complexity.
    RESULTS: All models aligned with DSM-5 in describing ADHD but differed in emphasis and stability. DeepSeek V3 produced the broadest and most variable outputs, Grok 4 showed the greatest consistency and clinical structure, and ChatGPT 5 generated concise and strengths-based explanations. However, all models exhibited high reading levels (FKGL > 12, FKRE < 40, SMOG > 12), exceeding recommended public-health readability standards for general audiences, which are typically around Grade 6-8.
    CONCLUSION: While LLMs demonstrate strong potential for generating ADHD-related educational materials, their current readability and stability limitations restrict accessibility for non-specialist educators. Future work should focus on optimizing prompt design and language calibration to enhance usability in inclusive education contexts.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335335
  12. J Fluency Disord. 2026 May 22. pii: S0094-730X(26)00031-8. [Epub ahead of print]88 106223
    How does ChatGPT respond to stuttering-related frequently asked questions? A mixed-methods, cross-version comparison.
    Amir Hossein Rasoli Jokar, Hamid Karimi.
       PURPOSE: This study compared responses to stuttering-related frequently asked questions (FAQs) generated by two versions of ChatGPT (the freely accessible ChatGPT-4 and the subscription-based ChatGPT-4.5), evaluating content, emotional tone, structural organization, and readability.
    METHOD: A set of 34 FAQs was developed through a two-stage process. First, the authors created an initial pool of questions. Then, 13 adults who stutter rated and refined these items for relevance. Each FAQ was entered once into GPT-4 and GPT-4.5. Responses were grouped into five broad content domains for computational analysis; these domains were identified and refined through thematic analysis. Responses were analyzed using (a) reflexive thematic analysis, (b) computational emotional analysis, and (c) quantitative readability analysis.
    RESULTS: Both versions produced highly overlapping thematic content, yielding six shared themes. However, systematic cross-version differences emerged in how this content was delivered. GPT-4.5 produced substantially shorter responses (≈63% reduction in length) that were more structured and directive, whereas GPT-4 provided longer and more narrative explanations. Despite increased concision, GPT-4.5 responses were modestly less readable. Emotional profiles were largely congruent across models, dominated by anticipation and trust in therapy and parenting domains, with more neutral affect for causes and variability.
    CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT functioned as a first-line explainer for stuttering-related FAQs. It provided generally accurate basic information and often used relatively non-stigmatizing language, while consistently emphasizing the importance of treatment, particularly early intervention for stuttering. Model iteration primarily reshaped how information was framed and accessed rather than substantially changing what was conveyed. These findings underscored the importance of clinician oversight, accessibility considerations, and ethical caution when considering the use of AI-generated content in public health communication about stuttering.
    Keywords:  AI chatbots; ChatGPT; Health information; Speech pathology; Stuttering
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2026.106223
  13. Urogynecology (Phila). 2026 May 25.
    ChatGPT Versus Custom-Trained Chatbot for Urogynecology Surgery Counseling.
    Leanne Brechtel, Colin Johnson, Sarah Rabice, Douglas Russo, Kimberly A Kenne, Christina Lewicky-Gaupp, Joseph T Kowalski.
       IMPORTANCE: Patient education materials are important components of shared decision making in urogynecologic surgery. Traditional materials are often difficult to update, lack personalization, and are not easily adaptable. Chatbots offer a new approach to generating comprehensive and accessible content, but their utility in a clinic setting remains unclear.
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the performance of a general-purpose chatbot, ChatGPT, and a domain-specific chatbot developed by the Foundation for Female Health Awareness (FFHA) (FFHA Assistant) in generating surgical counseling information, using standardized materials from the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) as reference.
    STUDY DESIGN: Seven IUGA handouts representing common urogynecologic surgical procedures were selected. Identical prompts were submitted to ChatGPT-4.0 and the FFHA Assistant. Responses were reviewed by 7 blinded urogynecology experts using 5-point Likert scales to assess accuracy, completeness, and understandability. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease Score.
    RESULTS: ChatGPT-4.0 outperformed in completeness as compared with the IUGA leaflets (median 4 [3-5] vs 3 [3-4], P<0.01), whereas the FFHA Assistant scored higher in accuracy (median 3 [3-3] vs 3 [2-3], P<0.01) and understandability (3 [3-4] vs 3 [3-3], P<0.01). Both large language models generated longer responses than the IUGA leaflets. The FFHA Assistant responses had better readability scores, aligning more closely with health literacy recommendations.
    CONCLUSIONS: Both chatbots generated counseling content comparable to or superior to existing materials. The domain-specific FFHA Assistant responses were better aligned with health literacy recommendations. Further research is needed to better understand the reproducibility of responses and the clinical utility of chatbots in patient education.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/SPV.0000000000001862
  14. Front Oncol. 2026 ;16 1826346
    Evaluation of ChatGPT-5.2 responses to frequently asked questions about benign bone tumors.
    Batuhan Ayhan, Samet Batuhan Yoğurt, Zeliha Deniz Ayhan.
       Objective: Patients increasingly seek health-related information through artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots. However, the reliability and clinical quality of chatbot-generated patient information remain uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of chatbot-generated responses to frequently asked patient questions regarding benign bone tumors using a structured assessment model.
    Methods: This descriptive and methodological study comprised twenty patient-centered commonly asked questions formulated by three fellowship-trained orthopedic oncology specialists. The inquiries encompassed diagnosis, treatment, complications, follow-up, and lifestyle-related issues pertaining to prevalent benign bone tumors. The responses produced by ChatGPT-5.2 were assessed separately by three independent orthopedic oncology specialists who had no role in formulating the questions. The quality of the response was evaluated using the Quality Analysis of Medical Artificial Intelligence (QAMAI) methodology, encompassing accuracy, clarity, relevance, completeness, citation of sources and references, and utility. Each parameter was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed to assess interobserver reliability.
    Results: The greatest scores were observed in accuracy (mean score 4.27), but completeness (3.19) and the provision of sources and references (3.03) displayed somewhat lower values. The overall QAMAI score was 21.39 out of 30, reflecting good response quality consistent with the validated scoring range of 18-23 points. Interobserver agreement demonstrated good reliability for total QAMAI scores (ICC = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74-0.91). The subdomain ICC values ranged from moderate to good agreement.
    Conclusion: Chatbot-generated responses provide accurate and useful preliminary information on benign bone tumors. However, shortcomings in completeness and reliance on evidence-based citations indicate that chatbot outputs should be employed under the oversight of a physician. AI chatbots can aid in patient education but cannot replace clinical decision-making processes.
    Keywords:  ChatGPT; artificial intelligence; benign bone tumors; orthopedic oncology; patient education
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2026.1826346
  15. Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2026 Jun 06.
    Quality and Readability of ChatGPT Performance on Parkinson's Disease.
    Gabriele Riccio, Rosa Coppola, Maria Rosaria Chiariello, Augusta Giglio, Anna De Rosa.
       BACKGROUND: Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is increasingly used for medical education and healthcare counseling.
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability, quality, usefulness, and readability of ChatGPT-4o responses to professional medical quizzes and patient frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Parkinson's disease (PD).
    METHODS: Twenty-two quizzes were put into ChatGPT-4o and also given to two neurologists. ChatGPT answers to 20 FAQs were analyzed by three neurologists using the modified Discern score, the Global Quality score, and the Usefulness score. Text readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, the Flesch Reading Ease Score, and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook.
    RESULTS: The agreement between the neurologists and ChatGPT was fair. The  answers to the FAQs were of good quality, but unreliable and difficult to read.
    CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT may be an additional valid tool for professional medical education. The quality of the answers to the FAQs is good, but the text is aimed primarily at highly educated individuals. The readability and reliability of the output would likely improve by providing the chatbot with specific prompts.
    Keywords:  ChatGPT; Parkinson's disease; artificial intelligence; medical information
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/mdc3.70700
  16. Ir J Med Sci. 2026 Jun 05.
    Evaluation of the quality of information provided by ChatGPT on distal biceps repair surgery.
    Conor J Kilkenny, Sean P Whealan, Danilo Vukanic, Alex Stapleton, Kieran O'Sullivan, Eoghan T Hurly, Diarmuid C Molony.
       BACKGROUND: Distal biceps tendon rupture is a rare injury, typically occurring during forceful, eccentric contraction of the biceps brachii muscle. This study aimed to assess the information AI software (ChatGPT) provides when searching for distal bicep injuries and their management. Using standardised scoring systems, we evaluated the quality of the information provided, its trustworthiness, and its readability.
    METHODS: An open AI model (ChatGPT) was used to answer 25 commonly asked questions from patients about distal biceps surgery. These answers were evaluated for medical accuracy, quality, and readability using the JAMA Benchmark criteria, DISCERN score, Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score (FRES), and Grade Level (FKGL).
    RESULTS: The JAMA Benchmark criteria score was 0, the lowest score, indicating no reliable resources cited. The DISCERN score was 44.3, which is considered a good score. The areas in the open AI model that did not achieve full marks were related to the lack of available source material used to compile the answers and, finally, some shortcomings with information not fully supported by the literature. The FRES was 38.5, and the FKGL was at a college reading level.
    CONCLUSION: A high reading level was required to comprehend the information provided by ChatGPT about distal biceps repair, and the evidence supplied was of fair quality. With no citations provided, it remains unclear where these answers originate. However, ChatGPT continued to safety-net patients by encouraging the importance of further discussion with a surgeon. More high-quality sources that patients can easily comprehend are required to educate patients concerning distal bicep repair.
    Keywords:  Artificial intelligence; ChatGPT; Distal biceps repair; Distal biceps tendon rupture; Patient education; Readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-026-04452-6
  17. Disabil Rehabil. 2026 Jun 05. 1-11
    The efficacy of ChatGPT as a student resource for the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain.
    Eli Berglas, Aaron B Lavi, Rachel Berglas, Isaac Inoyatov, David Musheyev, Michael Mesa, Jason M Dayan, Mitchell K Ng.
       INTRODUCTION: The use of Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT) is becoming a highly used source of clinical information. No study has evaluated ChatGPT's effectiveness in providing educational material to students about neck pain.
    METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 21 queries evaluating the use of ChatGPT v3.5 and v4.0 as educational tools for neck pain diagnosis and treatment. Misinformation was quantified using a Likert scale. Flesch-Kincaid grade level scores and word counts assessed readability. The DISCERN instrument evaluated quality, and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) quantified understandability and actionability.
    RESULTS: No misinformation was present. Both chatbots produced responses around a 12th-grade reading level. ChatGPT v4.0 (M = 318.8 ± 53.3) had more words per response than ChatGPT v3.5 (M = 229.3 ± 44.6), p < 0.0001. ChatGPT v3.5 had greater information quality than ChatGPT v4.0 for intervention-related queries (p < 0.0001). Actionability scores were far lower than understandability scores; however, intervention queries had greater actionability scores than nonintervention queries (22.5% versus 10.5%, p < 0.0001). The chatbots produced moderate-quality responses.
    CONCLUSION: The reading level and understandability likely make these chatbots more learner-friendly. The chatbots are likely suitable for generating basic facts rather than providing direct advice on neck pain.
    Keywords:  ChatGPT; education; large language models; misinformation; neck pain
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2681561
  18. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2026 May 30. pii: S1553-4650(26)00291-8. [Epub ahead of print]
    Quality of AI-generated post-operative patient education after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: A comparative analysis.
    Adrianna Gorniak, Nisha Divan, Deep Pandya, Vasiliki A Moragianni.
       STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of AI-generated responses to gynecologic post-operative questions with educational materials published by professional societies.
    DESIGN: Comparative analysis of published and AI-generated patient education relating to hysterectomy, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and management of conditions such as endometriosis and abnormal uterine bleeding.
    SETTING: Questions were selected from gynecologic professional society materials and asked to AI platforms: ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
    PARTICIPANTS: None.
    INTERVENTION: Two expert reviewers scored blinded responses for accuracy (evidence-based and clinically appropriate), comprehensiveness (adequacy of information to address patient questions), and understandability (clarity for a typical patient) using a Likert 1-5 scale. Inclusivity was scored as a binary outcome. Readability and word count were also measured.
    MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 20 questions were chosen for comparison. ChatGPT generated the most comprehensive responses (4.675, p < 0.05), while Google Gemini generated the most accurate (4.975, p < 0.05) but least understandable responses (3.2, p < 0.05). Professional society materials received lower accuracy (4.475, p < 0.05) and comprehensiveness (2.725, p < 0.05) relative to AI-generated responses, but had the highest readability (median SMOG 11.275; Flesch-Kincaid score 9.005, p < 0.05). ChatGPT responses were the longest, while professional society materials were the shortest (245.2 vs. 101 words, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in inclusivity across sources (p = 0.098).
    CONCLUSION: AI platforms provide accurate and comprehensive responses to commonly asked gynecologic post-operative questions. While professional society materials remained the most readable, all sources exceeded the recommended sixth to eighth grade reading level. These findings highlight that AI could be a powerful tool in enhancing post-operative education and setting clearer expectations for gynecologic post-operative patients.
    Keywords:  generative artificial intelligence; gynecologic surgical procedures; patient education handout; postoperative care; search engine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmig.2026.05.020
  19. J Surg Res. 2026 Jun 04. pii: S0022-4804(26)00255-6. [Epub ahead of print]324 221-230
    Comparing the Readability and Usability of Patient Education Materials Generated by Different Large Language Models: ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini.
    Alfonsus Adrian H Harsono, Wendelyn M Oslock, Bethany Brock, Shelby Cate Hodges, Lauren Wood, Gianina C Hernandez-Marquez, Alizeh Abbas, Daniel I Chu, Michael A Rubyan.
       INTRODUCTION: Patients with low health literacy face challenges in understanding and navigating surgical care, leading to surgical disparities. The rising utilization of large language models (LLMs) may provide a scalable way to enhance patient education materials (PEMs) and improve understanding. This study aims to assess the readability and usability of PEMs generated by publicly available LLMs.
    METHODS: We identified existing colorectal PEMs from an academic health center, including preoperative, postoperative, and ostomy care. Using a previously optimized metric-based prompt, we generated de novo materials from three LLMs such as ChatGPT3.5, Copilot, and Gemini. All materials were assessed for readability through Flesch-Kincaid reading ease (ease), Flesch-Kincaid grade level (grade evel), and modified grade-level scores. Usability was assessed through understandability and actionability with the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool. Bivariate analyses were conducted using t-tests.
    RESULTS: In total, 208 education materials were generated from baseline and three LLMs with an average word count of 844-869 (baseline), 259-271 (ChatGPT), 163-223 (Copilot), and 275-319 (Gemini). Gemini-generated materials demonstrated improved readability (grade level 5.9; P < 0.001) from baseline (7.7), whereas ChatGPT (12.5) and Copilot (8.8) performed worse (both P < 0.001). Although all materials scored above 70% for understandability, LLMs performed worse than baseline for understandability (75%-83% versus 75%-100%) and actionability (40%-80% versus 80%-100%; P < 0.001).
    CONCLUSIONS: Significant variability in LLM performances was identified when generating de novo PEMs. While Gemini showed improvement in readability and all LLMs achieved understandability target scores, existing baseline materials are still superior in both understandability and actionability. Despite the potential of LLMs to improve readability and usability, utilization should be balanced with clinical expertise.
    Keywords:  Artificial intelligence, AI; ChatGPT; Generative AI; Large language models
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2026.04.021
  20. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2026 Jun 04.
    A Patient-centered Approach to Analyzing the Quality, Credibility, and Readability of Spanish-language Online Patient Educational Materials on Pediatric Scoliosis.
    Jasmine K M Lopez, Diego G Alegre, Alejandro M Holle, Alexandra M Cancio-Bello, Jose M Iturregui, David M Bennett, Melissa Esparza.
       INTRODUCTION: Ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic disparities are well-documented in orthopaedics, including pediatric scoliosis. Spanish-speaking patients face compounding disparities in accessing linguistically and culturally concordant physician-patient interactions and patient resources. This study contributes to existing literature by providing an updated and extended analysis of the quality, credibility, and readability of online Spanish-language patient educational materials on pediatric scoliosis.
    METHODS: A search for the top 50 results of "escoliosis en los niños" (scoliosis in children) was conducted across search engines. Spanish-speaking patients are likely to interact with Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Duplicates were removed, primary review assessed inclusion and exclusion criteria, and secondary review evaluated relevance. Each source was assessed independently by two reviewers for the following: categorization, Journal of American Medical Association Benchmark Criteria, Brief DISCERN questionnaire, and the Fernández-Huerta Index for credibility, quality, and readability, respectively. Scores were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.
    RESULTS: Of the 61 sources, most were categorized as Physician/Community Hospital, Industry, and News. The median readability score aligned with an eighth-grade to ninth-grade reading level. No websites achieved the recommended reading level (<6th grade) for patient educational materials. The median Journal of American Medical Association Benchmark score was 2 (interquartile range, 1 to 3), with only four websites meeting all criteria. The median Brief DISCERN score was 14 (interquartile range, 11 to 18), with only 36% meeting the >16 threshold for adequate quality. No statistical differences were observed in quality, credibility, or readability between the two most common categories: Physician/Community Hospital and Industry.
    DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These findings revealed an insufficient standard of resources on pediatric scoliosis that Spanish-speaking patients are likely to access through online search engines. Given disparities in orthopaedic care for Spanish-speaking patients, this highlights a need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and institutions to create accessible, credible, transparent, and readable resources on pediatric scoliosis in Spanish.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-25-01534
  21. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2026 May 20. pii: S1748-6815(26)00278-0. [Epub ahead of print]118 252-266
    Online patient education in breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of readability, quality, usability, and cultural representation.
    Antoinette T Nguyen, Rebeka A Dejenie, Katherine Foote, Rahim Nazerali.
       BACKGROUND: Online patient education materials (OPEMs) are increasingly relied upon by patients seeking information on breast reconstruction. However, the readability, quality, and cultural inclusivity of these resources remain unclear.
    METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis of OPEMs related to breast reconstruction was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Scopus through April 2025. Eligible studies evaluated websites, videos, or AI-generated materials for readability [Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Flesch Reading Ease Scores (FRES), and SMOG], quality (DISCERN), or usability [Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT)]. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Studies lacking quantitative data were synthesized thematically.
    RESULTS: Twenty studies encompassing 1634 OPEMs (1038 websites and 596 videos) were included. Meta-analyses revealed that most materials required a high reading level: FKGL mean=12.68, SMOG=12.29, and FRES=42.39, all indicating difficult-to-college-level text. DISCERN quality scores averaged 2.72/5, with wide variability across sources. PEMAT scores indicated suboptimal usability: understandability=61.9% and actionability=21.9%. Thematic analysis highlighted deficiencies in risk disclosure, citation use, language accessibility, and racial/ethnic representation. Non-English materials and social media content were especially limited in cultural sensitivity and depth.
    CONCLUSIONS: OPEMs in breast reconstruction are often inaccessible, incomplete, and insufficiently actionable. Content from academic or institutional sources generally outperforms patient-generated and AI-based materials but still falls short of re--ed standards. There is an urgent need for coordinated evidence-based guidelines to improve digital patient education in reconstructive surgery.
    Keywords:  Breast reconstruction; Digital health; Health literacy; Inclusivity; Online patient education materials; Readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2026.05.015
  22. Childs Nerv Syst. 2026 Jun 04. pii: 241. [Epub ahead of print]42(1):
    Systematic review of the quality, readability, and reliability of web-based pediatric neurosurgical patient education information.
    Chinenye O Ogbonnah, Malena L Allbright, Elias B Rizk.
       BACKGROUND: Parents, caregivers, and pediatric patients increasingly rely on the internet to understand complex diagnoses and treatment options. However, much of this content is unregulated with poorly defined quality, accuracy, and readability standards. The objective of this study is to summarize existing literature evaluating the quality of online pediatric neurosurgical information and to identify opportunities to improve digital content.
    METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science to identify studies evaluating the quality and readability of online content related to neurosurgical conditions and procedures. Articles were excluded if they lacked original data, did not use validated quality assessment tools, or did not focus on neurosurgical content.
    RESULTS: A total of 42 studies evaluating 1,456 websites and 1,960 videos were included, representing more than 251 million cumulative views. Of these, 6 studies focused on pediatric populations. Among pediatric-specific studies, the mean DISCERN score was 36.6 ± 13.2 (16-80 scale), the JAMA Benchmark score was 2.68 ± 0.83 (0-4 scale), and the Global Quality Score was 3.05 ± 0.67 (1-5 scale), indicating low to moderate quality overall. Pediatric-focused content demonstrated marginally higher quality scores compared to adult-only studies, though both groups fell below accepted standards. Readability analyses demonstrated that most resources exceeded recommended reading levels for patients and caregivers.
    CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates substantial variability and overall moderate to poor quality in online pediatric neurosurgery content related. Dedicated studies evaluating pediatric-specific resources remain limited, and existing content frequently fails to meet the readability and quality standards appropriate for caregivers and families.
    Keywords:  Content quality; DISCERN tool; JAMA Benchmark; Neurosurgery; Online health information; Patient education
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-026-07331-8
  23. Pneumologie. 2026 Jun 02.
    [The internet as a source of information for patients with sarcoidosis].
    Katharina Buschulte, Philipp Höger, Sarah El-Hadi, Claudia Ganter, Nicolas Kahn, Katharina Kriegsmann, Finn Moritz Wilkens, Markus Polke, Franziska Trudzinski, Felix Herth, Michael Kreuter.
       Background: The internet is often used as a source of information by patients with sarcoidosis, but its reliability has not yet been comprehensively analysed. The aim of this study was to analyse the content and quality of German-language information on sarcoidosis available on the internet.
    Methods: All German-language hits from the first 200 search results for "sarcoidosis" on Google, Yahoo, Bing, and YouTube were saved. Two independent investigators evaluated the content (content score with 25 items, 0-25 points) and quality (DISCERN score with 1-5 points, HONCode score with 0-8 points, JAMA score with 0-4 points).
    Results: 128 websites and 12 videos were included. The median time since the last update was 36 and 9 months. The content score was 17 and 13 points, respectively. Quality was rated with a DISCERN score of 2.4 and 2.1 points, the JAMA score of the websites was 2 points, and the HONCode score of the videos was 4.2 points. Blogs achieved poorer results in terms of content (p=0.040) and DISCERN score (p=0.016), while the JAMA score was best for news/media (p=0.002). There were no differences for the videos.
    Conclusion: Although some German-language information on sarcoidosis found on the internet was adequate in terms of content, its quality was only moderate. It would be desirable to have a reliable and easily recognisable label for adequate information.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2868-0156
  24. Patient Educ Couns. 2026 May 24. pii: S0738-3991(26)00243-0. [Epub ahead of print] 109710
    Mapping the digital landscape: A systematic environmental scan and evaluation of online resources about recovery after intensive care.
    Alisha A da Silva, Mark Merolli, Natalie A Fini, Catherine L Granger, Madeline Cavallaro, Sonia Romeo, Gabriella Sgro, Emma Visentin, Olivia Metcalf, Selina M Parry.
       OBJECTIVES: Online resources may engage patients in their healthcare; several exist about recovery after intensive care (ICU). This study aims to identify and appraise online resources about recovery after ICU for survivors, caregivers, or clinicians.
    METHODS: An environmental scan of online resources identified through Google™, Bing™ and Yahoo™. Online resources in website, webpage or downloadable format, written in English, were included. Appraisal was guided by the World Health Organization's principles of effective health communication and included common website and patient education metrics; Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria, Global Quality Score, Content Validity Index, DISCERN instrument, Suitability Assessment Measure, Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool and four readability measures.
    RESULTS: There were 127 online resources identified; 44% (n = 56) downloadable documents, 40% (n = 50) singular webpages, 9% (n = 12) multiple webpages, and 7% (n = 9) websites dedicated to recovery after ICU. Majority of online resources were for ICU survivors and/or caregivers (n = 123). Overall, credibility was fair (median JAMA criteria 2[1-3]/4), with online resources commonly lacking references or authorship details. Online resources were 'somewhat' relevant (median Global Quality Score 3[3-4]/5) but not comprehensive, with some important topics e.g., goal setting and post-intensive care syndrome-family, missing or inadequately explained. ICU survivor and caregiver resources were of poor quality (DISCERN instrument score 39[35-46]/80; cut-off <68 very good) and were understandable but not actionable (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool 83%[75-87%]/100% and 60%[40-60%]/100% respectively; cut-off 70%). Only 51% included pictures amongst text and all readability assessments exceeded public literacy levels.
    CONCLUSIONS: Many online resources about recovery after ICU exist, however need to be optimised to meet principles of effective health communication.
    PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: When designing information on recovery after ICU, content needs to align with ICU survivorship guidelines and consider the reader, including using plain language, providing actionable information and visual aids as an adjunct to text.
    Keywords:  Critical Care; Digital Health; Environmental Scan; Health Information; Intensive Care; Patient Education Materials
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2026.109710
  25. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2026 May 25. pii: S0165-5876(26)00146-1. [Epub ahead of print]206 112850
    Exploring one aspect of family-centered practice: Readability of written documents to support parental understanding and decision-making regarding cochlear implants.
    Shani Dettman, Rachel Wong, Sandra Lettieri, Denise Courtenay, Jaime Leigh.
       PURPOSE: This exploratory study examined whether CI medical file documents met family-centered criteria for accessibility and readability, that is, could the average parent understand these documents?
    METHODS: The accessibility and readability of written documents used in one cochlear implant (CI) program were studied using two approaches. First, clinicians were asked to recall and rank their most complex cases. Files were reviewed for seven of the most complex cases. All tailored written documents relating to each child's CI candidacy, expectations, meetings, and counselling that had been shared with parents were reviewed. Second, five iterations of the generic CI surgical consent and information form from the same CI program were gathered. All documents were subjected to two readability scales: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Fry's Readability Graph.
    RESULTS: Of the 58 tailored documents in files that considered candidacy/expectations, 27 were shared with parents (45.8%). The mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level for these 27 documents was 12.4 (range 11.2 - 13.0; SD 0.64) and the mean Fry Score was 13.6 (range 12.0 - 15.7; SD 1.24). The mean Flesch-Kincaid score for the generic CI surgical consent and information forms from 2000 to 2017 was 11.8 (range 10.9 - 12.9; SD 0.66) and the mean Fry Score was 14.4 (range 13 - 16; SD 1.02).
    CONCLUSIONS: Readability levels for both the tailored candidacy/expectations documents and the generic CI surgical consent and information forms were higher than average adult reading levels and did not meet recommended readability targets for patient education material. CI programs should plan to share all counselling/expectation documents with parents and could apply simple readability formulae to improve family-centered engagement, empowerment and understanding.
    Keywords:  Cochlear implant; Family-centered; Readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2026.112850
  26. Natl Med J India. 2026 May-Jun;39(3):pii: 10.25259/NMJI_830_2023. [Epub ahead of print]39(3): 164-166
    Quality and reliability of YouTube videos on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A cross-sectional study.
    Azka Iqbal, Ruchi Joshi, Nidhi Beniwal, Kanuja Sood, Maleeha Habib, Milton Rivera Valentin, Marina Basta.
      Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 5% of children and adolescents. Diagnostic criteria rely on behavioural observations. YouTube offers easily accessible health information, including that on ADHD. We analyzed ADHD-related YouTube videos covering causes, treatment, medication, patient presentation, and ADHD deficit hyperkinetic disorder to assess the quality of information. Methods YouTube videos related to ADHD were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Seven different search terms was used by seven authors to review the top 10 videos each. The videos were scored using the modified video power index (VPI), Global Quality Scale (GQS) and DISCERN scores to evaluate the quality and reliability of the information. The quality of videos was compared based on the nature of the source of the videos. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software was used to perform statistical analysis. Results This study included 67 videos, mostly by doctors (n = 21, 31.3%), most often describing ADHD symptoms (n = 58, 86.57%). The median GQS for the videos was 4, and the reliability score was also 4. The quality of videos was similar among the source of videos with p values for VPI, GQS, and global reliability being 0.073, 0.922, and 0.617, respectively. Conclusion The quality of videos on ADHD on YouTube are similar irrespective of the source such as doctors, patients, healthcare providers etc.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.25259/NMJI_830_2023
  27. BMC Oral Health. 2026 Jun 01.
    Evaluating YouTube content on dental lasers: a clinical application-based quality and reliability study.
    Berkehan Aykanat, Muhammed Ayhan.
       BACKGROUND: Dental laser technology is widely used across multiple clinical fields of dentistry. YouTube is a commonly used information source for both patients and healthcare professionals and may shape health-related perceptions and information-seeking behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, technical quality, and ethical standards of YouTube videos related to dental laser applications.
    METHODS: A structured YouTube search was conducted using the keywords "dental laser," "laser in dentistry," and "laser dentistry." Of 360 initially screened videos, 121 met the eligibility criteria. Video quality and reliability were evaluated using CQS, mDISCERN, JAMA, VIQI, GQS, and HONcode. Data normality was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test; group comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U tests, categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test, correlations with Spearman's rho, and intra- and inter-rater reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients.
    RESULTS: Of the evaluated videos, 33 (27.3%) were classified as low quality (0-3 points), 83 (68.6%) as moderate quality (4-6 points), and 5 (4.1%) as high quality (7-9 points). The CQS showed a positive correlation with the mDISCERN (ρ = 0.421; p < 0.001), VIQI (ρ = 0.684; p < 0.001), and GQS (ρ = 0.722; p < 0.001) scores.
    CONCLUSION: The quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to dental laser applications are predominantly low to moderate. There is a clear need for more accurate, comprehensive, and professionally produced videos to support patient education and informed online information seeking, while recognizing that such videos cannot replace evidence-based clinical training, professional guidelines, or manufacturer-specific safety protocols.
    Keywords:  Content quality; Dental lasers; Health information quality; YouTube
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-026-08795-5
  28. Digit Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;12:12 20552076261452850
    Analysis of the quality and reliability of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo-related short videos on TikTok and Bilibili: A cross-sectional study.
    Chunping Zheng, Lijuan Tang, Chunbo Wu, Luan Huang, Runjun Luo.
       Background: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is common with high recurrence. Social media platforms like TikTok and Bilibili offer health-related content, but their quality and reliability remain unclear.
    Objective: This study aims to evaluate the content and quality of BPPV-related videos on TikTok and Bilibili.
    Methods: A total of 199 BPPV-related short videos from TikTok and Bilibili were collected between September 25 and 28, 2025. Video characteristics were extracted, and quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and modified DISCERN scale (mDISCERN). Content accuracy was evaluated based on clinical guidelines. Non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation analysis were used to compare uploader groups and explore the relationship between engagement and video quality.
    Results: The videos had a median duration of 99 seconds. TikTok videos showed significantly higher interaction metrics than those on Bilibili (all P < 0.001). Content primarily covered clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment, while epidemiology and prevention were underrepresented. The median GQS was 3.00, and the median mDISCERN score was 2.00, indicating low quality and reliability. Professional videos had significantly higher mDISCERN scores than individual user videos (P < 0.001), but both groups had low scores. For content accuracy, the lower quartile for professional videos was exceptionally low (Q1 = 0.00), with 25% of these videos containing significant errors or omissions. No significant correlations were found between engagement metrics and quality scores (r = 0.00-0.11, P > 0.05).
    Conclusion: BPPV-related short videos on TikTok and Bilibili generally have low quality, reliability, and accuracy. While professional videos are more reliable, they lack evidence-based content and omit key information. Strengthening content moderation and increasing professional involvement is crucial for improving digital health education.
    Keywords:  Bilibili; TikTok; benign paroxysmal positional vertigo; health; social media platforms
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076261452850
  29. Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 03.
    Alcohol-related health information on Chinese short-video platforms: a cross-sectional content analysis of Douyin and Bilibili.
    Liping Xu, Zeping Cheng, Jianxiang Ma, Binxun Jiang.
      Short-video platforms have become important sources of online health information, yet the quality and reliability of alcohol-related health content on these platforms remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the characteristics, informational quality, and audience engagement of alcohol-related health videos on Douyin and Bilibili. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and informational quality of alcohol-related health videos on Douyin and Bilibili and to identify factors associated with video quality. A cross-sectional content analysis was conducted on alcohol-related health videos retrieved from Douyin and Bilibili using four Chinese alcohol-related keywords. Videos were evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), modified DISCERN instrument, JAMA benchmark criteria, PEMAT-A/V, and an alcohol-related content coverage score. Video characteristics, uploader types, and audience engagement metrics were also analyzed. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with GQS scores. A total of 254 videos were included, including 127 videos from each platform. Compared with Douyin videos, Bilibili videos demonstrated significantly higher informational quality across multiple evaluation tools, including content coverage, DISCERN, PEMAT-U, GQS, and JAMA benchmark scores (all P < 0.05). In contrast, Douyin videos showed significantly higher audience engagement metrics, including likes, shares, comments, and engagement index (all P < 0.001). Science communicators, physicians, and media organizations generally produced videos with higher quality scores than individual users. Engagement indicators were negatively associated with several quality metrics. In ordinal logistic regression analysis, platform type, physician uploader status, and engagement index were independently associated with GQS scores. The informational quality of alcohol-related health videos on Chinese short-video platforms remains variable. Bilibili videos generally demonstrated higher informational quality and reliability, whereas Douyin videos showed stronger audience engagement. Engagement indicators were negatively associated with several quality metrics, suggesting that video popularity does not necessarily correspond to informational quality. These findings may help inform future research and health communication strategies aimed at improving the quality and credibility of alcohol-related health information on short-video platforms.
    Keywords:  Alcohol-related health information; Douyin; Health communication; Information quality; Short-video platforms; Social media
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-56544-z
  30. Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 03.
    The quality and content of cerebral aneurysm related short videos on Douyin: a cross-sectional observational study.
    Guo-Ping Yang, Ke-Xin Yang, Hua-Mei Chai.
      Cerebral aneurysm is a common cerebrovascular disease with a poor prognosis after rupture. This highlights the critical importance of early detection and risk factor management. Douyin has become an important channel for disseminating medical information, but the quality of video content on such platforms remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the content, quality, and reliability of short videos related to cerebral aneurysm on Douyin. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 100 short videos related to cerebral aneurysm on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok). Video characteristics, content, uploader type, and interaction data (likes, comments, favorites, and shares) were extracted. Video quality and reliability were assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tools. Videos were classified by content and emotional tone, and engagement metrics and quality scores were compared across different categories. Correlation analysis was performed between video metrics and quality scores. Videos were generally short (median: 77 s), but user engagement was high. Most videos were uploaded by cerebrovascular specialists. Educational videos scored better on GQS than case-sharing videos, but no significant difference was found in mDISCERN scores. Regarding interaction data, case-sharing videos had significantly more favorites than educational videos, but no differences were observed in other engagement metrics. Videos were further categorized by emotional tone (positive, negative, neutral), and no differences were found in quality scores or engagement metrics across these categories. Meanwhile, positive correlations were observed among engagement metrics (likes, favorites, comments, and shares). Douyin videos related to cerebral aneurysm show high engagement but slightly insufficient reliability in content. Improving video quality is essential to enhance the educational value of health information shared on the Douyin platform.
    Keywords:  Douyin; Global quality score; Modified DISCERN; Reliability; Social media
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-55531-8
  31. Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 03.
    A cross-sectional assessment of the quality and reliability of sleep disorder information on Douyin (TikTok in China).
    Yanbin Lin, Hongli Tao, Guoying Sun, Shanshan Zhao, Lina Wang.
      Short-video platforms such as TikTok have become significant sources of health information, particularly among younger populations. However, the quality and reliability of health-related content on these platforms remain a concern. This investigation examines the current landscape of sleep disorder information on Douyin (TikTok in China). To evaluate the quality, trustworthiness, and thematic completeness of sleep disorder-related short videos on Douyin (TikTok in China). We conducted a cross-sectional study by retrieving the top 200 videos from Douyin using a combination of three Chinese keywords ("" [sleep disorders], "" [insomnia], and"" [sleep]). The top 200 videos from each keyword search were pooled. After removing duplicate listings, commercial advertisements, and off-topic videos, 154 videos were included in our final study. Engagement metrics-including likes, comments, favorites, and shares-were collected to quantify the influence of the short videos. The quality of these videos was evaluated using the modified DISCERN instrument, the JAMA benchmark criteria, the Global Quality Scale (GQS), and a content-specific tool designed to assess six key domains. Double-blinded assessments were performed. Most videos were created by healthcare professionals. Overall quality was moderate (median scores: GQS = 2, JAMA = 2, mDISCERN = 2). Notable content gaps were identified: 34.4% lacked information on detection, 40.3% provided minimal treatment details, and 52.6% omitted outcomes. Videos from healthcare professionals scored significantly higher (p < 0.05). Engagement metrics correlated positively with quality scores. Sleep disorder-related content on Douyin (TikTok in China) is of moderate quality, with professional sources demonstrating superior reliability, suggesting the need for greater efforts to standardize health-related content on such platforms. Strengthening content verification and encouraging professional involvement are essential.
    Keywords:  Cross-sectional studies; Health communication; Health literacy; Information quality; Sleep wake disorders; Social media; Video recording
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54965-4
  32. Vet Rec. 2026 May 30.
    Content analysis of TikTok videos about tick prevention methods for dogs and cats.
    Heidi Jim, Jongseo Kim, Ivana Blagojevic, Kelsey L Spence.
       BACKGROUND: Social media is a major source of pet health information. On platforms such as TikTok, algorithm-driven recommendations may expose users to health-related content even without active searching. This study described tick prevention videos on TikTok. Understanding how tick prevention is portrayed online can inform evidence-based communication.
    METHODS: The 50 most-engaged English-language TikTok videos under the hashtag #tickprevention addressing tick prevention for dogs or cats were analysed. Video characteristics and content categories were coded using inductive content analysis.
    RESULTS: Videos showed substantial engagement, with median values of 1652 likes (range 146-8583), 40 comments (range 9-207), 330 shares (range 15-2074) and 495 saves (20-2181). Most videos (92%) were created by influencers (i.e., non-veterinary creators), and over one-third contained paid promotions, primarily for non-prescription or natural products. Topical tick repellents (33%) and non-prescription products (30%) were commonly promoted, often framed as 'chemical-free' or 'safe'. The most common content categories were demonstrating usage (27%) and promoting natural or holistic methods (26%).
    LIMITATIONS: Only analysing the top 50 English-language videos under one hashtag may underrepresent lower-engagement and non-English content.
    CONCLUSION: TikTok tick prevention content is mostly influencer driven with limited expert participation, but high engagement suggests opportunities for veterinarians to share evidence-based messaging on short-form platforms.
    Keywords:  health; information; pets; social media; ticks
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.70803
  33. J Med Internet Res. 2026 Jun 04. 28 e91115
    Associations and Pathways Between Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior and Patient Adherence: Cross-Sectional Study.
    Zhenyu Xu, Jingjing Jia, Chaofan Wu.
       Background: The widespread adoption of the internet has established online health information-seeking behavior (OHISB) as a primary channel for public health knowledge acquisition, potentially influencing patient adherence behaviors and physician-patient dynamics. However, the underlying pathways, particularly the role of physician-patient communication efficacy and the differential impact of various digital platforms, remain underexplored, especially among rural populations.
    Objective: This study examined the association between OHISB and patient adherence among rural residents in China, with a specific focus on the mediating role of physician-patient communication efficacy and the moderating roles of different platform types.
    Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 2023 to October 2024 using multistage stratified sampling across 6 Chinese provinces. Participants were rural residents aged 18 to 70 years with recent health care experiences. Data from 7004 valid questionnaires were analyzed. A fixed-effects model assessed the primary association, with robustness checked via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Mediation analysis using the bootstrap method examined the indirect association through physician-patient communication efficacy, and interaction terms tested the moderating effects of platform type (internet hospitals, professional platforms, WeChat accounts, short video apps, and search engines).
    Results: OHISB showed a significant positive direct association with patient adherence (β=0.260; P<.001). Physician-patient communication efficacy exhibited a significant negative indirect association with patient adherence (β=-0.026; P<.001), accounting for 9.29% of the total association. Platform type significantly moderated this association: internet hospitals (β=0.099; P=.04), professional platforms (β=0.081; P=.04), and WeChat accounts (β=0.032; P=.03) enhanced the positive association between OHISB and patient adherence, whereas short video platforms (β=-0.034; P=.006) and search engines (β=-0.204; P<.001) weakened it.
    Conclusions: Online health information seeking among rural residents was directly associated with better patient adherence, but this benefit was partially attenuated by a negative indirect association through reduced physician-patient communication efficacy. The association between OHISB and adherence varied significantly by platform type. This finding suggests the need for digital health equity strategies, interventions to improve communication efficacy and health literacy, and graded management of health information platforms.
    Keywords:  digital health platforms; health literacy; online health information–seeking behavior; patient adherence; physician-patient communication efficacy; rural residents
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2196/91115
  34. Digit Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;12:12 20552076261452487
    Associations of Online Health Information Seeking Behavior (OHISB) with chronic disease literacy and prevalence among adults in Shanghai, China.
    Yanli Shen, Zhuojun Ye, Shulei Fan, Xiao Jiang, Huiyun Yuan.
       Objective: Chronic diseases have become a major public health burden globally, and online health information seeking behavior (OHISB) has emerged as a potential tool for improving health literacy and protecting individuals from chronic diseases. Nevertheless, previous studies have shown that OHISB may exacerbate health disparities, and its specific association with chronic disease prevalence remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationships between OHISB, chronic disease literacy, and chronic disease prevalence, with a focus on sociodemographic heterogeneity.
    Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in China, from June to September 2024. Partial correlation analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were used to analyze the specific relationships among OHISB engagement, chronic disease literacy and prevalence. Stratified interaction analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneous effects of OHISB across distinct sociodemographic subgroups.
    Results: OHISB was positively associated with chronic disease literacy (r = 0.218, P < 0.001), The RCS model revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between OHISB and chronic disease literacy (P nonlinear < 0.001), characterized by an initial significant increase followed by a plateau. Significant interaction effects of OHISB and sociodemographic factors were observed (P interaction < 0.001), OHISB conferred more benefits on vulnerable subgroups, including those aged ≥45, suburban residents, non-college graduates, and low-consumption individuals (≤¥3,000/month). Conversely, while the RCS plot revealed a descriptive risk convergence trend, no significant association was found between OHISB and chronic disease prevalence (r = -0.005, P = 0.855).
    Conclusion: OHISB was positively associated with chronic disease literacy, although its benefits were limited by a ceiling effect. Moreover, it was also associated with the narrowing of sociodemographic gaps in chronic disease literacy. However, we did not observe a significant link between OHISB and chronic disease prevalence. Therefore, targeted digital interventions are essential to bridge the knowledge-behavior gap and promote chronic disease prevention among vulnerable populations.
    Keywords:  chronic disease prevalence; health literacy; online health information seeking behavior; vulnerable population
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076261452487
  35. Cognition. 2026 Jun 04. pii: S0010-0277(26)00165-4. [Epub ahead of print]274 106598
    Curiosity and evidence quality affect information seeking and eye movements during reading.
    Jaana Simola, Hanna Julku, Caitlin Dawson, Sebastian Österman, Kaisa Elovaara, Tuomo Häikiö.
      Curiosity is critical for learning and selective information processing, but it is unclear how it affects eye-movement patterns during reading. We tracked participants' (n=56) eye movements in a task with 18 health-related questions. Each question was followed by up to 15 statements from three quality categories: scientific relevant (SR), scientific irrelevant (SI), and non-scientific relevant (NR). The statements were concealed in three boxes according to evidence quality. Participants could click on any box to reveal a new statement until they had read all the statements or were ready to answer the question. After reading a statement, participants rated their state curiosity and how useful the statement was for answering the question. The SR statements were rated highest on usefulness and were read most frequently, suggesting that participants were able to detect that these statements had the highest evidence quality. For a more comprehensive view on curiosity, we also measured participants' trait curiosity with a questionnaire. We found that state curiosity correlated negatively with the thrill-seeking dimension of trait curiosity. Eye movements during statement reading were analyzed at the word-level, controlling for the effects of word length and frequency. Higher state curiosity was associated with lower word-skipping rates and longer total fixation duration on words, irrespective of evidence quality. However, the increase of total fixation duration with state curiosity was steeper for low quality (SI and NR) than high quality (SR) statements. Together, these results suggest that curiosity is related to a careful reading strategy, particularly for low-quality statements.
    Keywords:  curiosity; exploration-exploitation; eye-movements; information seeking; reading
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2026.106598
  36. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2026 May;14(5): e7665
    Health Communication Patterns in Breast Implant Illness Content on TikTok: A DISCERN-based Analysis by Creator Type.
    Madhulika R Kastury, Fatima Z Khan, Amber L Edson, Abigail M Royfman, Noelle T Thompson, Kirollos Tadrousse, Haripriya S Ayyala, Richard Simman.
       Background: Breast implant illness (BII) describes a constellation of patient-reported symptoms attributed to implants. Despite lacking diagnostic consensus, BII remains prominent on TikTok, where health-related content often lacks expert oversight. This study evaluates the presentation, quality, and reliability of BII-related TikTok videos using the DISCERN framework, comparing healthcare professional (HCP) and non-HCP content.
    Methods: This observational study analyzed the top 30 videos from 5 BII-related hashtags. Videos were categorized by creator type and independently assessed by 4 raters using the DISCERN tool. Statistical methods included the Mann-Whitney U test, intraclass correlation coefficients, analysis of variance, and multivariable linear regression with log-transformed engagement metrics.
    Results: Of 150 videos screened, 36 met inclusion criteria. HCP videos (41.7%, n = 15) demonstrated significantly higher DISCERN reliability (20.9 versus 16.4, P < 0.001) and total scores (31.6 versus 27.8, P = 0.03). Treatment quality scores did not differ (P = 0.22). Among HCPs, follower count was positively associated with DISCERN score (P = 0.032; interaction P = 0.031); like count trended negatively without reaching significance (P = 0.055). The final model explained 73.5% of the variance in DISCERN scores (R 2 = 0.735; adjusted R 2 = 0.694; F (5, 30) = 17.71, P < 0.001).
    Conclusions: The reliability and quality of BII content on TikTok varied by creator type. HCP videos scored higher across DISCERN domains, especially when paired with higher follower counts. These findings signify the need for platform-specific strategies to promote evidence-based voices in digital health communication.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000007665
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