OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the content, quality, and accuracy of information provided on hospital web sites about robotic gynecologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: An analysis of hospitals with more than 200 beds from a selection of states was performed. Hospital web sites were analyzed for the content and quality of data regarding robotic-assisted surgery. RESULTS: Among 432 hospitals, the web sites of 192 (44.4%) contained marketing for robotic gynecologic surgery. Stock images (64.1%) and text (24.0%) derived from the robot manufacturer were frequent. Although most sites reported improved perioperative outcomes, limitations of robotics including cost, complications, and operative time were discussed only 3.7%, 1.6%, and 3.7% of the time, respectively. Only 47.9% of the web sites described a comparison group. CONCLUSION: Marketing of robotic gynecologic surgery is widespread. Much of the content is not based on high-quality data, fails to present alternative procedures, and relies on stock text and images.
OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the content, quality, and accuracy of information provided on hospital web sites about robotic gynecologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: An analysis of hospitals with more than 200 beds from a selection of states was performed. Hospital web sites were analyzed for the content and quality of data regarding robotic-assisted surgery. RESULTS: Among 432 hospitals, the web sites of 192 (44.4%) contained marketing for robotic gynecologic surgery. Stock images (64.1%) and text (24.0%) derived from the robot manufacturer were frequent. Although most sites reported improved perioperative outcomes, limitations of robotics including cost, complications, and operative time were discussed only 3.7%, 1.6%, and 3.7% of the time, respectively. Only 47.9% of the web sites described a comparison group. CONCLUSION: Marketing of robotic gynecologic surgery is widespread. Much of the content is not based on high-quality data, fails to present alternative procedures, and relies on stock text and images.
Authors: Benjamin B Albright; Tilman Witte; Alena N Tofte; Jeremy Chou; Jonathan D Black; Vrunda B Desai; Elisabeth A Erekson Journal: J Minim Invasive Gynecol Date: 2015-08-10 Impact factor: 4.137
Authors: Jason D Wright; Alessandra Kostolias; Cande V Ananth; William M Burke; Ana I Tergas; Eri Prendergast; Scott D Ramsey; Alfred I Neugut; Dawn L Hershman Journal: Obstet Gynecol Date: 2014-11 Impact factor: 7.661