Evaluation of gastroenterology and hepatology articles on Wikipedia

• DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000003
• Publication Date: 2013-11-26T02:57:15Z
• Authors: Samy A. Azer
• Keywords: Encyclopedias as Topic; Peer Review, Research; Internet; Students, Medical; Gastroenterology; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Reading; Bibliometrics; Humans; Learning; Curriculum; Textbooks as Topic; Comprehension; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Education, Medical, Undergraduate

With the changes introduced to medical curricula, students use learning resources on Internet such as Wikipedia. However, credibility of content Wikipedia has been questioned and there is no evidence respond these concerns. The aim this paper was critically evaluate accuracy reliability gastroenterology hepatology information that retrieve from Wikipedia.The website searched for articles 28 May 2013. Copies were evaluated by three assessors independently using an appraisal form modified DISCERN instrument. scored content, readability, frequency updating, quality references.A total 39 evaluated. Although appeared be well cited reviewed regularly, several problems identified with regard depth discussion mechanisms pathogenesis diseases, poor elaboration different investigations. Analysis showed a score ranging 15.6±0.6 43.6±3.2 (mean±SD). number references in all 1233, varied 4 144 (mean±SD, 31.6±27.3). citations peer-reviewed journals published last 5 years 242 (28%); however, list made. readability range -8.0±55.7 44.4±1.4; 26±9.0 concordance between applying criteria had mean κ scores 0.61 0.79.Wikipedia not reliable source searching articles. Several limitations, deficiencies, scientific errors have examined.