YouTube™ as a Source of Information for Patients Regarding Dental Implant Failure: A Content Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the quality of the information YouTube (TM) offers to patients concerning dental implant failure. YouTube (TM) was searched systematically using the keyword 'dental implant failure'. The first 100 videos were viewed by two independent researchers. For each video, its purpose, target audience and source were also recorded. A 10 point content scale (CS) was used to evaluate the video content. The Global Quality Scale (GQS) was also used to determine the quality of videos. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney test and correlation coefficient analyses were performed using Spearman's Rho. While 92.2% of the videos included in the study were uploaded by dentists/health institutions, only 3.1% were uploaded by lay-persons. Of the videos, 40.6% were aimed at informing lay-persons and 56.3% targetted professionals. The content which was discussed most (71.9%) was 'definition of a dental implant' followed by 'reasons for failure' (65.6%). The mean CS and GQS score of the videos were 3.75 +/- 2.35 (moderate) and 2.07 +/- 1.05 (generally poor), respectively. There was a positive correlation between the CS and GQS score (r = 0.620). The quality of information on YouTube (TM) regarding dental implant failure was found inadequate. Thus, the information currently available online needs to be constantly checked and improved by professionals. In addition, clinicians should improve the ways in which they use YouTube (TM) to better inform patients about the causes, risks and treatment choices involved with failed dental implants.