Quality, reliability, and educational value of YouTube™ videos on Pavlik harness treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Abstract

Pavlik harness is a widely accepted first-line treatment for Developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants. Given the increasing use of online video platforms by caregivers seeking medical information, this study aimed to evaluate the content, quality, and reliability of the most-viewed YouTube™ videos related to the Pavlik harness. A YouTube™ search was conducted using the terms "Pavlik harness," "Pavlik harness treatment," "Pavlik harness overview," "Pavlik harness how to apply," "Pavlik harness application," and "Pavlik harness tips." 48 videos were included for analysis. Data collected included upload source, video length, date of upload, number of views, likes, dislikes, comments, and the interaction index. Video quality and reliability were evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and DISCERN instrument. Of the 48 videos analyzed, 26 (54.2%) were classified as high quality, 10 (20.8%) as intermediate, and 12 (25%) as low quality. Videos uploaded by healthcare professionals and academic institutions had significantly higher GQS, JAMA, and DISCERN scores compared to those uploaded by non-medical sources(<i>p</i> < 0.001). High-quality videos also had a higher number of likes per day and views per day (<i>p</i> = 0.001 and <i>p</i> = 0.001, respectively). Nearly half of the most-viewed YouTube™ videos on this topic were of intermediate or low quality. Pediatric orthopedic specialists and professional societies should be encouraged to contribute high-quality, evidence-based videos to guide caregivers appropriately. Parents should be advised to rely on videos uploaded by reputable academic sources to ensure accurate and safe application of the Pavlik harness.