Google obstetrics: who is educating our patients?

Anjali J. Kaimal, Yvonne W. Cheng, Allison S. Bryant, Mary E. Norton, Brian L. Shaffer, Aaron B. Caughey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the sources of information retrieved by searching for obstetrically related terms on the Internet. Study Design: The Google and Yahoo search engines were used to search for the terms "cerebral palsy," "birth trauma," "shoulder dystocia," "forceps delivery," "epidural," and "cesarean section." The first page of results retrieved for these search terms was examined. Information regarding the organization or individuals sponsoring the websites was collected. Differences in sponsorship were investigated by using a χ2 test. Results: Sponsorship was significantly different between topics (P < .001). Lawyers were the most common sponsors of websites retrieved by the terms cerebral palsy (52%), birth trauma (48%), and shoulder dystocia (43%). Only 3.6% of websites on the first page of results were created or sponsored by obstetrician-gynecologists. Conclusion: As the Internet becomes a frequently used source of health information, obstetrician-gynecologists should consider how this forum can be more effectively used to disseminate educational information.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)682.e1-682.e5
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume198
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • internet
  • obstetrics
  • patient education

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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