A cross-sectional study of YouTube videos as a source of patient information about phototherapy and excimer laser for psoriasis

Abstract

YouTube is increasingly utilized by patients for health information. We aimed to assess the educational quality of YouTube videos about phototherapy and excimer laser for psoriasis. A cross-sectional analysis of YouTube videos was conducted using the search terms psoriasis phototherapy and psoriasis laser. Of the 200 videos screened, 124 met inclusion criteria. Sixty-eight (54.8%) were generated by device manufacturers advertising their product, 35 (28.2%) by healthcare professionals, and 8 (6.5%) by patients delivering testimonials from experiences receiving therapy. Fourteen (11.2%) contained high-quality patient education content, 28 (22.5%) were fair quality, and 82 (66.1%) were low quality. Compared to videos generated by advertisers, those created by healthcare providers were of higher educational quality and more likely to be patient-directed. Neither the number of views nor interaction differed significantly among videos of varying educational quality, between videos presenting evidence-based versus non-evidence-based claims about psoriasis, and between videos conveying positive versus negative messages regarding medical consultation. Overall, the majority of YouTube videos about phototherapy and excimer laser advertise devices are of fair-to-low educational quality and are not patient-centric. The addition of more videos that accurately and holistically discuss patient-relevant aspects of these therapies may transform YouTube into a more effective resource for informing patient choices.

Keywords:

• YouTube
• Internet
• digital media
• psoriasis
• treatment
• phototherapy
• laser
• excimer laser

Disclosure statement

Dr. Wu is an investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis; a consultant for AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Dermira, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Eli Lilly, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Promius Pharma, Regeneron, Sun Pharmaceutical, and UCB, Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC; and a speaker for AbbVie, Celgene, Novartis, Regeneron, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB, Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC.

The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.