Evaluation of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Articles on Wikipedia: Are They Suitable as Learning Resources for Medical Students?
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Abstract
Background: With the changes introduced to medical curricula and the introduction of self-directed learning, medical students tend to use online resources such as Wikipedia as their first choice.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the gastroenterology and hepatology information that medical students retrieve from Wikipedia.
Methods: Wikipedia website was searched for articles on gastroenterology and hepatology on 28 May 2013. Copies of these articles were evaluated by three assessors (all with medical background) independently using an appraisal form modified from DISCERN Instrument. The articles were scored for accuracy of content, readability, frequency of updating, and quality of references. The maximum score is 50.
Results: A total of 39 articles were evaluated. Although the articles appeared to be well cited and reviewed regularly, several deficiencies were identified in regard to depth of discussion of mechanisms and pathogenesis of diseases as well as poor elaboration on different investigations. Analysis of the content showed a score ranging from 15.6±0.6 to 43.6±3.2 (mean ±SD). The total number of references in all articles was 1233, the number of references varied from 4 to 144 references; 31.6±27.3 (mean ±SD). The number of citations from peer-reviewed journals published in the last five years was 242 (28 %), however several problems were identified in the list of references and citations made. The readability of articles (measured by Flesch-Kincaid grade level) was in the range of to -8.0±55.7 to 44.4±1.4; for all articles the readability was 26 ±9.0 (mean ± SD), consistent with readability level of college students. The concordance between the assessors on applying the criteria had a mean kappa scores in the range of 0.61 to 0.79.
Conclusions: Wikipedia is not a reliable source of information for medical students searching for gastroenterology and hepatology articles. Several limitations, and scientific errors have been identified in the articles examined. Suggestions for improvement of Wikipedia articles will be discussed. Course designers, tutors and students should be aware of the limitations of online resources that are not reviewed and edited by experts such as Wikipedia.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the gastroenterology and hepatology information that medical students retrieve from Wikipedia.
Methods: Wikipedia website was searched for articles on gastroenterology and hepatology on 28 May 2013. Copies of these articles were evaluated by three assessors (all with medical background) independently using an appraisal form modified from DISCERN Instrument. The articles were scored for accuracy of content, readability, frequency of updating, and quality of references. The maximum score is 50.
Results: A total of 39 articles were evaluated. Although the articles appeared to be well cited and reviewed regularly, several deficiencies were identified in regard to depth of discussion of mechanisms and pathogenesis of diseases as well as poor elaboration on different investigations. Analysis of the content showed a score ranging from 15.6±0.6 to 43.6±3.2 (mean ±SD). The total number of references in all articles was 1233, the number of references varied from 4 to 144 references; 31.6±27.3 (mean ±SD). The number of citations from peer-reviewed journals published in the last five years was 242 (28 %), however several problems were identified in the list of references and citations made. The readability of articles (measured by Flesch-Kincaid grade level) was in the range of to -8.0±55.7 to 44.4±1.4; for all articles the readability was 26 ±9.0 (mean ± SD), consistent with readability level of college students. The concordance between the assessors on applying the criteria had a mean kappa scores in the range of 0.61 to 0.79.
Conclusions: Wikipedia is not a reliable source of information for medical students searching for gastroenterology and hepatology articles. Several limitations, and scientific errors have been identified in the articles examined. Suggestions for improvement of Wikipedia articles will be discussed. Course designers, tutors and students should be aware of the limitations of online resources that are not reviewed and edited by experts such as Wikipedia.
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