Abstract
Aim Evaluate the content and quality of internet information for patients regarding intravenous sedation in dentistry.
Methodology Google was queried with predefined search terms that might be chosen by patients wishing to seek information: 'dental IV sedation OR dental intravenous sedation OR dental sedation'. The first hundred search results were identified. Invalid hyperlinks and duplicates were excluded. Providers, format and location of information were extracted. For webpages detailing treatment options, the DISCERN instrument and JAMA benchmark were used to determine the quality of the information provided.
Results Of the first hundred search results, 89 webpages met the initial inclusion criteria. A majority (79%) originated from dental providers. Information was commonly presented as patient information leaflets. Of the 78 webpages detailing treatment options, 3% of webpages received a maximum DISCERN score of 5 and 64% a score of 1. No webpages fulfilled all JAMA criteria and 89% met only one criterion. Secondary care providers scored higher in both scales; however, this represents only 5% of the information available.
Conclusion The internet is a commonly accessed information resource for patients. The quality of internet information available regarding intravenous sedation in dentistry is suboptimal. There is a need for more high-quality information resources.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 24 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $10.79 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Licheri L, Erriu M, Bryant C, Piras V. A clinical audit of escorts' awareness and patients' safety following intravenous sedation in adult oral surgery. SAAD Dig 2016; 32: 17-22.
Royal College of Surgeons. Standards for conscious sedation in the provision of dental care: report of the intercollegiate advisory committee for sedation in dentistry. 2015. Available online at https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/dental-faculties/fds/publications-guidelines/standards-for-conscious-sedation-in-the-provision-of-dental-care-and-accreditation/ (accessed January 2020).
Davis L A, Cannon G W, Pointer L F et al. Cardiovascular events are not associated with MTHFR polymorphisms, but are associated with methotrexate use and traditional risk factors in US veterans with rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 2013; 40: 809-817.
D'Cruz L, Kaney H. Consent - a new era begins. Br Dent J 2015; 219: 57-59.
Chan S W, Tulloch E, Cooper E S, Smith A, Wojcik W, Norman J E. Montgomery and informed consent: where are we now? BMJ 2017; 357: j2224.
Coulter A, Entwistle V, Gilbert D. Sharing decisions with patients: is the information good enough? BMJ. 1999; 318(7: 179): 318-322.
Dorr Goold S, Lipkin M Jr. The doctor-patient relationship: challenges, opportunities, and strategies. J Gen Intern Med 1999; DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1999.00267.x.
McMullan M. Patients using the Internet to obtain health information: how this affects the patient-health professional relationship. Patient Educ Couns 2006; 63: 24-28.
Fox S, Rainie L. The online health care revolution: How the Web helps Americans take better care of themselves. 2000. Available online at https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2000/11/26/the-online-health-care-revolution/ (accessed January 2020).
Eysenbach G, Powell J, Kuss O, Sa E R. Empirical Studies Assessing the Quality of Health Information for Consumers on the World Wide Web: A Systematic Review. JAMA 2002; 287: 2691-2700.
Kenny T, Wilson R G, Purves I N et al. A PIL for every ill? Patient information leaflets (PILs): A review of past, present and future use. Fam Pract 1998; 15: 471-479.
Pines A. Patient information leaflets: friend or foe? Climacteric 2015; 18: 663-635.
Sustersic M, Gauchet A, Foote A, Bosson J L. How best to use and evaluate Patient Information Leaflets given during a consultation: a systematic review of literature reviews. Health Expect 2017; 20: 531-542.
Clarke K, O'Loughlin P, Cashman J. Standardized Consent: The Effect of Information Sheets on Information Retention. J Patient Saf 2018; DOI: 10.1097/PTS.0000000000000230.
Ravindra P, Barrett C. Compliance with pre-operative instructions for procedures with conscious sedation: a complete audit cycle. Br Dent J 2012; DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2012.99.
Sechrest R C. The internet and the physician-patient relationship. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2010; 468: 2566-2571.
Park M W, Jo J H, Park J W. Quality and Content of Internet-Based Information on Temporomandibular Disorders. J Orofac Pain 2012; 26: 296-306.
Riordain R N, Hodgson T. Content and quality of website information on the treatment of oral ulcers. Br Dent J 2014; DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.886.
Silberg W M, Lundberg G D, Musacchio R A. Assessing, controlling, and assuring the quality of medical information on the Internet: Caveant lector et viewor - Let the reader and viewer beware. JAMA 1997; 277: 1244-1245.
Charnock D, Shepperd S, Needham G, Gann R. DISCERN: an instrument for judging the quality of written consumer health information on treatment choices. J Epidemiol Community Health 1999; 53: 105-111.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
No funding was received for the completion of this research project and no conflicts of interest were identified.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Heggie, C., McKernon, S. & Gartshore, L. Quality of available internet information regarding IV sedation for dental treatment. Br Dent J 228, 279–282 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1258-7
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1258-7