Assessing Online Patient Education Materials for Major Lower Extremity Amputation

Laor Dec, B., Elrakhawy Dec, K., Blanchette, V. et Drudi, L. M. (2026). Assessing Online Patient Education Materials for Major Lower Extremity Amputation. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 84 (1). pp. 189-197. ISSN 0741-5214 DOI 10.1016/j.jvs.2026.03.432

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Résumé

Objective To assess the readability, quality, transparency, and clinical content of online patient education materials related to major lower extremity amputation due to vascular disease. Methods We conducted a descriptive audit of online patient education materials on major LEA due to vascular disease. Using Google Chrome Incognito mode, we searched 8 search terms (“leg amputation”, “below knee amputation”, “above knee amputation”, “amputation for poor circulation”, “amputation for peripheral artery disease”, “vascular surgery leg amputation”, “diabetic leg amputation”, “foot amputation surgery”) and reviewed the first 30 results per term to identify relevant websites and patient education. Readability was assessed using 5 validated tools (Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, SMOG, Coleman-Liau, Automated Readability index). Quality was assessed using JAMA and DISCERN criteria. Content was analyzed for key clinical elements. Results Of 240 websites screened, 58 were included. Mean readability scores exceeded the recommended sixth-grade level: Flesch-Kincaid (10.47), Gunning fog (12.55), SMOG (12.95), Coleman Liau (10.83), Automated readability index (9.86). The average JAMA Benchmark score was 1.54/4, with 59% reporting currency, 36% disclosure, 33% reporting authorship, and 26% attribution. DISCERN scores averaged 46.8/80 (“fair” quality). Content coverage of key clinical concepts was low: 26% reported alternative procedures, 33% reported surgical risks, 41% operation description, 50% quality of life, 67% prosthetics/mobility aids, 74% post-op care, and 74% indications. DISCERN and content scores were moderately correlated (r=0.5), Flesch-Kincaid and SMOG were highly correlated (r=1.0). Quality and readability scores were uncorrelated, suggesting reliable sources may remain hard to understand. Conclusion Despite the burden of major LEA, online patient education resources often have low readability and quality and lack critical content. There is an urgent need to develop high quality, accessible materials to support education and shared decision making.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	Lower extremity amputation Patient education Peripheral arterial disease Online health information Website
Date de dépôt:	06 nov. 2026 13:58
Dernière modification:	06 nov. 2026 13:58
Version du document déposé:	Version officielle de l'éditeur
URI:	https://depot-e.uqtr.ca/id/eprint/13324

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