Comprehensiveness, quality, and readability of non-invasive prenatal testing information on Japanese medical institution websites

TL;DR

Japanese medical institution websites often provide insufficient and hard-to-read information about non-invasive prenatal testing, with certified institutions performing worse than non-certified ones.

Contribution

This is the first study to assess the quality and readability of non-invasive prenatal testing information on Japanese medical institution websites.

Findings

Certified institutions had lower comprehensiveness and quality scores compared to non-certified ones.

Most websites required advanced reading proficiency, limiting accessibility.

Non-certified institutions provided more comprehensive information but made ethically questionable claims.

Abstract

We conducted an analysis of online information on noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) provided by Japanese medical institutions recognized by the certification system (certified institutions) and other institutions (non-certified institutions).

We identify institutional websites from google Japan that used three keywords related to prenatal testing (N = 37). Comprehensiveness was assessed using domestic and international guidelines. Quality was measured using the DISCERN instrument, and readability was evaluated using jReadability.

Among certified institutions, the mean comprehensiveness score was 7.36 out of 20, and the mean DISCERN score was 42.6 out of 80, categorized as “fair,” although nearly half were rated “poor” or “very poor.” Most websites required “lower advanced” reading proficiency. Websites from non-certified institutions showed higher comprehensiveness and readability than certified institutions.

NIPT-related information on certified institution in Japan is often insufficient in terms of quality. By contrast, non-certified institution, although ethically problematic, may provide more comprehensive and higher-quality information. Certified institutions should improve the quality and clarity of web-based communication to support patient's decision making.

This is the first study to assess the NIPT-related websites in Japanese medical institutions. Critical informational gaps were identified, highlighting the need for trustworthy and readable online resources.

•This is the first study to assess online information about noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) provided by medical institutions.•Certified institutions lack sufficient, high-quality, and readable NIPT information.•Non-certified institutions were more comprehensive but made ethically questionable claims.•NIPT content on most institutional websites demanded advanced reading ability.•Better online communication supports informed, autonomous shared decision-making.

This is the first study to assess online information about noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) provided by medical institutions.

Certified institutions lack sufficient, high-quality, and readable NIPT information.

Non-certified institutions were more comprehensive but made ethically questionable claims.

NIPT content on most institutional websites demanded advanced reading ability.

Better online communication supports informed, autonomous shared decision-making.

Figures