Qualitative assessment of available online patient resources for pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis

Objective This study seeks to evaluate the quality and readability of freely available online patient information resources for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods Internet searches were performed for five DVT and PE search terms in July 2020 across three search engines and two metasearch engines. Qualitative content analysis was performed. Readability was assessed using four validated instruments. Results Two hundred fifty websites were identified of which 62 websites met inclusion criteria. Website structure and content were satisfactory (>50% overall score), accountability was mixed between DVT (47%) and PE (56%) sites, while interactivity was poor (<30%). On qualitative content analysis, anticoagulation (95.2%) was the most discussed treatment while the most discussed procedures were IVC filter placement for DVT and thrombolysis for PE. Overall readability was difficult with median level suitable for ages 14-18 years. Conclusion Freely available online DVT and PE patient information resources publish appropriate content but have very variable accountability and poor readability for the average patient.