Table 1 The Modified Education in Otolaryngology Website (MEOW) assessment tool
Category | Criteria | Weight | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Authorship, Credibility & Disclosure | 1.1 Disclosure of authorship? If yes (pick one) | No = 0 | |
A. Authors’ name(s), credentials and contact information | A = 3 | ||
B. Authors’ name(s) with credentials | B = 2 | ||
C. Authors’ name(s) | C = 1 | ||
1.2 If author’s credentials are given, author is (if multiple authors, the majority are) | |||
A. Otolaryngologist | A = 2 | ||
B. Other healthcare professional/scientist | B = 1 | ||
C. Other | C = 0 | ||
1.3 Disclosure of institution? If yes (pick one) | |||
A. Educational, non-profit or government domain | A = 3 | ||
B. Other | B = 0 | ||
1.4 Is there an editorial review process? | Yes = 3 No = 0 | ||
1.5 Is the email of the webmaster provided for feedback? | Yes = 2 No = 0 | ||
1.6 Are references provided? | Yes = 2 No = 0 | ||
2. Frequency of Revision | 2.1 When was the website (including references) last updated? | ||
A. <1 year | A = 2 | ||
B. ≥1 year but <5 years | B = 1 | ||
C. Other | C = 0 | ||
3. Content Quality | 3.1 Breadth. Does the information provided cover aspects pertinent to the field of interest? | ||
A = Adequate | A = 6 | ||
B = Somewhat adequate | B = 3 | ||
C = Inadequate | C = 0 | ||
3.2 Depth. Is the information provided adequately detailed for the intended audience? | |||
A = Adequate | A = 6 | ||
B = Somewhat adequate | B = 3 | ||
C = Inadequate | C = 0 | ||
3.3 Accuracy. Is the information accurate? | |||
A = Accurate | A = 6 | ||
B = Somewhat accurate | B = 3 | ||
C = Inaccurate | C = 0 | ||
3.4 Does the website have summary statements/take-home points? | Yes = 2 No = 0 | ||
4. Interactivity | 4.1 Are there any interfaces requiring relevant action on the part of the learner (e.g., quizzes, self assessments, interactive figures)? | ||
A. Definitely | A = 6 | ||
B. Somewhat | B = 3 | ||
C. No/Does not apply | C = 0 | ||
5. Graphic Elements & Media | 5.1 Are graphic/media elements included to provide additional information or to clarify existing content? | ||
A. Present and pertinent | A = 2 | ||
B. Present | B = 1 | ||
C. Other | C = 0 | ||
5.2 Are graphic/media elements well integrated in the website? | Yes = 1 No = 0 | ||
6. Layout & Design | 6.1 Clear/professional display of available information? | Yes = 1 No = 0 | |
6.2 Is the website user-friendly, having a logical layout and intuitive? | Yes = 2 No = 0 | ||
7. Navigability & Speed | 7.1 Does the website contain a search engine or table content? | Yes = 2 No = 0 | |
7.2 Was the website or server accessible in a timely manner? | Yes = 2 No = 0 | ||
8. Hyperlinks | 8.1 Are there any links to provide relevant additional information? | Yes = 2 No = 0 | |
8.2 If links are provided, are they active (≥90% of total links)? | Yes = 1 No = 0 |