Abstract
To examine the prevalence and content of robotic surgery information presented on websites of U.S. hospitals. We completed a systematic analysis of 400 randomly selected U.S. hospital websites in June of 2010. Data were collected on the presence and location of robotic surgery information on a hospital's website; use of images or text provided by the manufacturer; use of direct link to manufacturer website; statements of clinical superiority; statements of improved cancer outcome; mention of a comparison group for a statement; citation of supporting data and mention of specific risks. Forty-one percent of hospital websites described robotic surgery. Among these, 37% percent presented robotic surgery on their homepage, 73% used manufacturer-provided stock images or text, and 33% linked to a manufacturer website. Statements of clinical superiority were made on 86% of websites, with 32% describing improved cancer control, and 2% described a reference group. No hospital website mentioned risks. Materials provided by hospitals regarding the surgical robot overestimate benefits, largely ignore risks and are strongly influenced by the manufacturer.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 48-52 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal for healthcare quality : official publication of the National Association for Healthcare Quality |
| Volume | 33 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 2011 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Policy
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health