Table 2.
Contents of mDISCERN, GQS and Readability indexes.
| mDISCERN criteria | Total score (8–40 points) |
|---|---|
| 1. Are the aims clear? | 1–5 point |
| 2. Does it achieve its aims? | 1–5 point |
| 3. Is it relevant? | 1–5 point |
| 4. Is it clear what sources of information were used to compile the publication (other than the author or producer)? | 1–5 point |
| 5. Is it clear when the information used or reported in the publication was produced? | 1–5 point |
| 6. Is it balanced and unbiased? | 1–5 point |
| 7. Does it provide details of additional sources of support and information? | 1–5 point |
| 8. Does it refer to areas of uncertanity? | 1–5 point |
| GQS | Score |
|---|---|
| Poor quality, poor flow of the site, most information missing, not at all useful for patients | 1 |
| Generally poor quality and poor flow, some information listed but many important topics missing, of very limited use to patients | 2 |
| Moderate quality, suboptimal flow, some important information is adequately discussed but others poorly discussed, somewhat useful for patients | 3 |
| Good quality and generally good flow, most of the relevant information is listed, but some topics not covered, useful for patients | 4 |
| Excellent quality and excellent flow, very useful for patients | 5 |
| Readability indexes | Formula |
|---|---|
| Flesch reading ease score (FRE) | 206.835−1015 × (W/S)−84.6 × (B/W) |
| Flesch–Kincaid grade level (FKGL) | 0.39 × (W/S) + 11.8 × (B/W)−15.59 |
| Simple measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) | 1.0430 × √C + 3.1291 |
| Gunning FOG Index (GFI) | 0.4 × [(W/S) + 100 × (C*/W)] |
| Coleman–Liau Index (CLI) | (0.0588 × L)−(0.296 × S*)−15.8 |
mDISCERN: Modified DISCERN, GQS Global quality score, B Number of syllables, W Number of words, S Number of sentences, C Complex words (≥ 3 syllables), C*: Complex words with exceptions including, proper nouns, words made three syllables by addition of ‘‘ed’’ or ‘‘es’’, compound words made of simpler words, L: Average number of letters per 100 words, S*: Average number of sentences per 100 words. When evaluating the mDISCERN criteria; 1 for no; 2,3 or 4 for partially; a score of 5 is given for yes. Partially (2–4) is preferred if the publication under review is considered to meet the criteria in question to some extent. How high or low it is rated “partially” will depend on the decision as to the extent of these deficiencies.