Availability and quality assessment of online nutrition information materials for pelvic cancer patients in the UK.
OBJECTIVE
Written information can be an essential source of support in the promotion of lifestyle changes after a cancer diagnosis. This study aimed to identify and assess the quality of available online patient information materials (PIMs) in relation to diet and nutrition for patients with pelvic cancer.


METHODS
The online sources of the National Health Service, cancer centres and charitable organisations throughout the UK were searched. Content was assessed using an evidence-based checklist, and readability with two validated formulas. Consumer feedback was sought through patient and public involvement (PPI) groups.


RESULTS
Forty PIMs were identified; four were designed specifically for pelvic cancers (bladder, bowel, prostate) and 36 were generic (relevant for all cancers). Most PIMs had a good content score, with PIMs from charities scoring higher overall than PIMs from cancer centres [32 (4) vs. 23 (11), p < 0.001]. Seventy-three percent of PIMs had a readability score within acceptable levels (6th-8th grade; reading ability of 11-14 year-olds). PPI contributors found most PIMs useful and comprehensive but lacking specific information needed to meet individual needs.


CONCLUSION
There is limited availability of online PIMs for cancer survivors and even fewer tailored to pelvic cancers. Most materials have comprehensive content and acceptable readability. Some PIMs may require improvement.
['Saltaouras|Georgios|G|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8945-329X', 'Lightowler|Helen|H|', 'Coe|Shelly|S|', 'Brett|Jo|J|', 'Watson|Eila K|EK|']
D022126:Access to Information D002173:Cancer Care Facilities D002608:Charities D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms D032882:Comprehension D054626:Consumer Health Information D000072001:Diet, Healthy D055317:Evidence-Based Practice D005260:Female D006801:Humans D020407:Internet D008297:Male D044623:Nutrition Therapy D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms D013222:State Medicine D006113:United Kingdom D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
quality nutrition pelvic cancers patient information readability public and patient involvement