Websites recommended to patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at first point of diagnosis: a content analysis

Results Information was found to be lacking on most websites, detailing how different treatments work, their benefits and risks and how these treatments may affect the quality of life of patients. The source of the information supplied on the websites and the date it was produced was rarely identified. Information regarding the signs, symptoms and aetiology of the condition was well presented. Conclusions The websites that are recommended to patients should contain up to date evidence-based information that is impartial and written in plain language. They should also contain material that has been designed to meet the information needs of patients Healthcare professionals need to be fully aware of the content of the websites they recommend, to enable them to suggest the most appropriate information sources.