Evaluation of YouTube as a Health Education Resource for Skin Graft Procedures.

This article evaluates the educational quality of YouTube videos related to Skin Graft Procedures (SGP), a key aspect of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Analyzing 84 English-language videos with over 1,000 views, the study found that overall educational quality was low, with an average Global Quality Scale (GQS) score of 2.60 on a 5-point scale. Videos led by physicians, particularly physician-led presentations, scored significantly higher in educational value than those by non-physicians or consumer-friendly content such as patient accounts or animations. Notably, more popular videos (with higher view counts) tended to have lower educational quality, and no improvement in video quality was observed over time. The findings suggest a need for increased physician involvement in producing accessible, accurate, and comprehensive online educational content to better support patient understanding and decision-making regarding skin graft treatments.