Exploring the Reliability and Accessibility of Youtube for Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Information

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and medical content of YouTube videos pertaining to cerebral palsy (CP) rehabilitation. Methods: Using the YouTube search engine on August 16, 2021, the term "CP rehabilitation" was searched without any filters. The initial 100 videos were categorized based on their characteristics. The quality, reliability, and accuracy of these videos were evaluated using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), Global Quality Score (GQS), Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and modified DISCERN questionnaire. Results: The average view count of the videos was 38,099 (range: 125-811,777), with an average duration of 444.79 seconds. Most videos were of moderate quality (57%) and contained partially adequate information (86%). In the high-quality category, videos had higher view counts, dislikes, duration, and SAM, JAMA, and modified DISCERN scores compared to low-quality videos (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between GQS and the number of views, likes, dislikes, and SAM, JAMA, and modified DISCERN questionnaire scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the majority of videos were of moderate quality, with some providing adequate information. High-quality videos tended to attract more user engagement, including views, likes, comments, and longer duration, and exhibited better reliability and accuracy scores. YouTube can serve as an alternative resource for patients requiring pediatric rehabilitation, particularly during interruptions in healthcare services such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It is indicated that higher-quality videos produced by healthcare professionals will be more beneficial for patient education in the future.