A content analysis of YouTube videos on palliative care: understanding the quality and availability of online resources

Abstract

Background:

Improvement in quality care is an important aspect of palliative care for individuals with serious illnesses. Palliative care is a multidisciplinary strategy that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. As technology advances, digital media – especially YouTube – has come to serve as a virtual educational platform, offering resources for health-related information, including information about palliative care.

Objectives:

In this research, the main goal was to evaluate the quality and availability of online resources related to palliative care.

Design:

Two theoretical frameworks were used: the Health Communication Model and the Information Quality Framework. These frameworks offer a way to understand how YouTube videos contribute to palliative care information and assess the quality of that information.

Methods:

This study utilizes a quantitative analysis approach to assess the quality and accessibility of YouTube videos on palliative care. Specifically, a random sample of 300 YouTube videos addressing palliative care was examined. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including the frequency and distribution of the different types of content, sources, and quality indicators. Chi-square tests were done to compare the quality of information provided by different sources and types of content.

Results:

The results showed a variety of video types, with educational videos being the most common (40%), followed by personal stories (26.7%) and promotional videos (16.7%). We found that healthcare organizations (30%) and individual content creators (46.7%) were the sources for these videos.

Conclusion:

There were varying scores in terms of accuracy, completeness, and relevance when it came to quality assessment. While many videos received excellent ratings, some received poor ratings. Additionally, this analysis revealed that the majority of these videos were in English (83.3%), which poses a limitation for non-English speakers who may have difficulty understanding them.

Keywords

content analysis online resources palliative care quality indicators YouTube

Introduction

Improvement in quality care is a vital aspect of palliative care for individuals with serious illnesses.¹ Palliative care is a multidisciplinary strategy that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.² Palliative care is designed to offer patients comfort and support, and it can be given alongside curative treatments. The demand for palliative care is growing as the population ages and the prevalence of chronic illnesses rises.³

As technology advances, digital media – especially YouTube – has come to serve as a virtual educational platform, offering resources for health-related information, including information about palliative care. YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, and it is estimated that over 2 billion monthly active users visit the platform.^4,5 It is regarded as the most popular source of online health information via video sharing. Learning about healthcare and illness management for patients and their families has become accessible and easy to understand through this video-sharing platform.

While the potential for YouTube to disseminate information about palliative care is enormous, the quality and availability of online resources are still uncertain. Therefore, in this research, the main goal was to evaluate the quality and availability of online resources related to palliative care. Given the serious nature of palliative care, it is important to assess the quality of information provided on YouTube to ensure that the information is accurate and reliable.^6,7

Background

This study is necessary to fill the gap we all face in the COVID-19 pandemic for authentic online resources. This study also highlights the importance of palliative care for patients with serious illnesses. The pandemic emphasized the issue of the accessibility and reliability of available online resources for the healthcare sector; during that era, many people were unable to access traditional healthcare services due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

Overall, this study has important implications for healthcare delivery, particularly in the field of palliative care. The study contributed to the development of evidence-based strategies for improving patient outcomes and quality of life by examining the quality and availability of online resources. Furthermore, the study led to a better understanding of YouTube’s function in disseminating healthcare information and influenced strategies for effectively using this platform to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Literature review

YouTube is one of the most well-known social media platforms on the Internet. Many people with chronic diseases use it as a patient education resource. For free, users may view, upload, rate, and remark on videos that have been uploaded to YouTube. YouTube is the third-most visited site on the Internet in the world, after Google and Facebook.⁸

Each month, more than 800 million users view more than 4 billion hours of video on YouTube, and every week, around 100 million users engage in social interactions by liking, sharing, or commenting on the videos they watch. User interaction and exposure data can be found in YouTube’s ‘Video Statistics’ section; social actions are monitored.⁹

On YouTube, one may find videos on a variety of health-related subjects, from general health information to the most recent medical advancements. Any registered user can upload videos to YouTube, which allows for videos that can include scientifically incorrect information on medical issues. Research on YouTube’s effects on the public’s wellness is still in its early stages. How to most effectively utilize YouTube in health promotion programs is challenging given the questionable content of patient awareness videos on YouTube.¹⁰

Palliative care is an approach that focuses on relieving the suffering and improving the quality of life of patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses. It involves the management of psychosocial and spiritual support, symptomatic relief, and coordination of care across different healthcare settings.¹¹ Palliative care has been shown to improve patient outcomes such as quality of life, symptom management, and patient and family satisfaction. Palliative care is an important aspect of healthcare, particularly for patients with advanced illnesses.¹²

In the 1950s, the phrase ‘palliative care’ was coined, and its focus was on providing care for the terminally ill. Palliative care has developed over the past 50 years to provide for patients who are sicker sooner in the course of their illness. The World Health Organization defines palliative care as ‘a strategy that strengthens the standard of life of patients and their families affecting difficulties related to life-threatening disease, via preventing and alleviating the effects of distress through early detection and excellent evaluation and management of pain and other issues, physical, emotional, and moral’.¹³

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of online resources by patients and caregivers seeking information about palliative care. YouTube, in particular, has emerged as a popular platform for sharing and accessing information related to healthcare.¹⁴ YouTube is a video-sharing platform that allows users to upload and view videos on a wide range of topics, including health and medicine. YouTube has become an important source of health information, with studies reporting that a significant percentage of patients and caregivers use YouTube to seek information about their health conditions.^15,16

Palliative care has increased as a result of early illness intervention. There are certain conflicts in palliative medicine as a result of its rapid expansion, both among practitioners and the general public. It has been difficult to eradicate the stigmas attached to palliative care and to encourage patients to accept it early because its original purpose was the treatment of terminally sick people. Despite educational efforts to destigmatize palliative care, negative stigmas that associate palliative care with death, hopelessness, and end-of-life comfort still exist. In 2011, a survey of 800 persons found that 70% of respondents had little awareness of palliative care.¹⁷

Governmental organizations like the Joint Commission have been promoting inpatient palliative care programs in the United States since 2011 by launching a comprehensive certified program for hospitals. A survey conducted globally by the World Health Organization and the Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance from 2006 to 2011 revealed that nations established 9% more hospice–palliative care facilities. Although palliative care is more readily available, its impact on the general population’s resource usage is unknown.¹⁸

However, the quality and accuracy of information provided on YouTube have been a concern for healthcare professionals and researchers. YouTube is an open platform that allows anyone to upload and share videos, which may lead to the dissemination of inaccurate and unreliable information. This is particularly concerning in the context of palliative care, as patients and caregivers may be seeking information about complex medical conditions and treatments, and inaccurate information could have serious consequences for patient outcomes.

Several studies have investigated the quality and accuracy of information related to health and medicine on YouTube. For example, Abramson et al.¹⁹ analyzed videos related to prostate cancer on YouTube and found that the majority of videos did not provide accurate information about the condition or treatment options. Similarly, Maia et al.⁶ analyzed videos related to chronic pain on YouTube and found that many videos provided misleading or inaccurate information.

In the context of palliative care, several studies have investigated the quality and availability of information on YouTube. For example, Liu et al.²⁰ analyzed videos related to end-of-life care on YouTube and found that the quality of information provided varied widely. They found that videos from healthcare organizations were more likely to provide accurate and reliable information than videos from individual content creators. However, they also found that the majority of videos were created by individuals and that these videos were more likely to contain inaccurate or misleading information.

Similarly, Patel et al.²¹ analyzed videos related to hospice and palliative care on YouTube and found that the majority of videos did not provide accurate information about these topics. They found that videos from healthcare organizations were more likely to provide accurate and reliable information than videos from individual content creators or media outlets. They also found that the majority of videos were created by individual content creators, and that these videos were more likely to contain inaccurate or misleading information.

Other studies have investigated the use of YouTube for patient education and self-management. For example, Narayanan²² analyzed videos related to diabetes self-management on YouTube and found that the majority of videos provided accurate and reliable information. He found that videos from healthcare organizations were more likely to provide accurate and reliable information than videos from individual content creators. However, he also found that the majority of videos were created by individuals and that these videos were more likely to contain inaccurate or misleading information.

Theoretical framework

The theoretical framework is based on two concepts: the Health Communication Model and the Information Quality Framework. These frameworks offer a way to understand how YouTube videos contribute to palliative care information and assess the quality of that information. The Health Communication Model emphasizes communication as a means to promote health and improve outcomes. In this study, it helps us understand how YouTube videos function as a platform for sharing care information. It highlights the involvement of stakeholders such as healthcare organizations, individual content creators, and media outlets in generating and disseminating content on YouTube. The model also underscores the significance of relevant information in enabling informed decisions and enhancing patient outcomes. On the other hand, the Information Quality Framework focuses on evaluating the reliability of information sources. It provides an approach to assess the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of provided information.

This study assists in evaluating the quality of palliative care information presented in YouTube videos. It allows for examining accuracy, comprehensiveness of content, and relevance to palliative care practices. The primary goal of this study is to assess the quality of resources and identify areas that can be improved. To achieve this, we combine frameworks to examine the availability and quality of YouTube videos related to palliative care. We analyze the types of videos available, their sources, and the reliability of the information they provide. By utilizing the Health Communication Model, we view YouTube as a platform for communication and sharing information about palliative care. The Information Quality Framework allows us to systematically evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of the content. Through these frameworks, we gain an understanding of resources and recognize both the strengths and limitations of YouTube as a platform for accessing palliative care information. Ultimately, this research contributes to enhancing education and healthcare decision-making by investigating how resources like YouTube impact these areas.

Methodology

Study design

This research uses a cross-sectional quantitative analysis to comprehensively evaluate the quality and accessibility of YouTube videos on palliative care. The chosen design provides a snapshot of the available content within a specific timeframe, capturing the prevailing characteristics of these online resources. This allows for an assessment of the prevalence and characteristics of YouTube videos on palliative care within a defined period.

Sampling strategy

A systematic keyword search using terms such as ‘palliative care’, ‘end-of-life care’, and ‘hospice care’ was conducted on YouTube. From the search results, a random sample of 300 YouTube videos meeting predefined criteria was selected for analysis. Inclusion criteria encompassed English language proficiency, a duration exceeding 3 min, and upload within the last 5 years. Diversity in sources, including individual creators, healthcare organizations, and media platforms, was ensured to offer a comprehensive representation of palliative care content on YouTube. This sample size aligns with established practices in content analysis studies, particularly those focusing on health-related YouTube video content.^6,7 Figure 1 illustrates the research flowchart detailing the process of sample selection for the included studies.

Figure 1.

Research flowchart for the videos included in the studies.

YouTube videos search

Data collection

A coding sheet, developed based on established research and health information quality guidelines, facilitated the systematic analysis of selected videos. This sheet included categories such as the type of content (informational, instructional, promotional), source (individual, healthcare organization, media outlet), and quality assessment indicators (accuracy, completeness, reliability). Two trained individuals specializing in palliative care independently analyzed the videos, with inter-rater reliability assessed using Cohen’s kappa statistic. Disagreements between coders were resolved through discussion.

Data analysis

Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the frequency and distribution of different content types, sources, and quality indicators in the videos. Chi-square tests were utilized to compare the quality of information across various sources and types of content. This analytical approach allowed for a nuanced understanding of the current state of online resources for palliative care on YouTube.

Ethical considerations

This study adheres to ethical guidelines and standards for research. The reporting follows the SQUIRE 2.0 (Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence) framework, emphasizing transparency in the context, intervention, and application of theory in the analysis of online palliative care resources.

A content analysis can be very effective in analyzing the quality and availability of YouTube videos on palliative care. The study of recorded human communications, including those found in books, newspapers, movies, text messages, tweets, Facebook updates, and diary entries, is known as content analysis. A wide range of YouTube videos can be analyzed related to palliative care, focusing on the type of content, sources, and information quality. The results may bring a conclusion about the current state of online resources for palliative care. Therefore, this study utilized a quantitative study approach to assess the quality and accessibility of YouTube videos on palliative care. Specifically, a random sample of 300 YouTube videos addressing palliative care has been collected using keyword search terms such as ‘palliative care’, ‘end-of-life care’, and ‘hospice care’. The sample size has been determined based on studies that employed such methodologies (i.e. analyzing health-related YouTube video content).

To ensure diversity in the selection of videos, the sample includes a variety of sources such as creators, healthcare organizations, and media platforms. Videos meeting criteria were English language proficiency, a duration exceeding 3 min, and uploaded within the last 5 years. We excluded videos that are not relevant to palliative care. To analyze the videos, we use a coding sheet. This sheet has been developed based on research and guidelines for evaluating the quality of health information. The coding sheet includes the following categories:

Type of content: Whether it is informational (explaining care), instructional (e.g. demonstrating how to provide palliative care), or promotional (e.g. advertising a palliative care service).

Source: Whether the content is created by an individual, a healthcare organization, a media outlet, or another entity, like a profit organization.

Quality assessment:

• Accuracy: We will rate the accuracy of the provided information using a 3-point scale (1 = inaccurate, 2 = partially accurate, 3 = accurate).

• Completeness: We will assess the completeness of the information using a 3-point scale (1 = incomplete, 2 = partially complete, 3 = complete).

• Reliability: We will evaluate the reliability of the information using a 3-point scale (1 = unreliable, 2 = partially reliable, 3 = reliable).

The reporting of this study conforms to SQUIRE 2.0 which places a strong emphasis on disclosing three essential elements of systematic initiatives to raise the standard, value, and safety of palliative care: the context in which improvement work is carried out by analyzing the online resources; the study of the intervention(s); and the application of formal and informal theory in the planning, execution, and assessment of improvement work.²³ Two trained individuals specialized in palliative care independently analyzed the videos and their agreement was assessed using the Cohen’s kappa statistic. Any disagreements between them are resolved through discussion. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including the frequency and distribution of the different types of content, sources, and quality indicators. Chi-square tests were used to compare the quality of information provided by different sources and types of content.

Results

Distribution of video types

Video types

The analysis of video types revealed that the collected YouTube videos on palliative care encompassed various categories. Table 1 presents the distribution of video types.

Table 1.

Distribution of video types.

Video type	Frequency	Percentage
Educational	120	40
Personal stories	80	26.7
Promotional	50	16.7
Documentary	30	10
Other	20	6.6

Distribution of video sources

Video sources

The analysis of video sources revealed the entities or individuals responsible for creating and uploading the videos on YouTube. Table 2 presents the distribution of video sources.

Table 2.

Distribution of video sources.

Video source	Frequency	Percentage
Healthcare organizations	90	30
Individual content creators	140	46.7
Media outlets	20	6.7
Commercial sources	50	16.6

Video quality assessment

Video quality

The quality assessment of the YouTube videos focused on several dimensions, including accuracy, completeness, and relevance to palliative care. Each video was evaluated based on a scoring system, and the results are summarized in Table 3.

Table 3.

Video quality assessment.

Quality dimension	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
Accuracy	60	130	70	40
Completeness	80	90	80	50
Relevance	100	70	90	40

The scoring system ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality.

Distribution of languages in videos

Language distribution

The language distribution of the collected YouTube videos is an important aspect to consider in terms of accessibility and reach. Table 4 presents the distribution of languages in the analyzed videos.

Table 4.

Distribution of languages in videos.

Language	Frequency	Percentage
English	250	83.3
Spanish	25	8.3
French	15	5
Other	10	3.3

‘Other’ includes languages such as German, Italian, and Portuguese.

The results highlight the diverse range of video types available on YouTube related to palliative care, with educational videos being the most common. The majority of videos were contributed by individual content creators, followed by healthcare organizations. The overall quality of the videos varied, with a significant proportion rated as good or excellent in terms of accuracy, completeness, and relevance. However, some videos received fair or poor ratings. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the majority of the videos were in English, which may limit their accessibility to non-English speaking populations. These findings emphasize the need for improving quality control measures for online palliative care resources and addressing the language barriers to ensure broader access to reliable information for patients and caregivers.

The results indicate that the collected YouTube videos on palliative care cover a range of video types, with educational videos being the most common (40%), followed by personal stories (26.7%) and promotional videos (16.7%). The videos are sourced from various entities, with individual content creators accounting for the highest percentage (46.7%), followed by healthcare organizations (30%). The video quality assessment shows variable scores across the dimensions of accuracy, completeness, and relevance. In terms of accuracy, 60 videos were rated as excellent, 130 as good, 70 as fair, and 40 as poor. Regarding completeness, 80 videos were rated as excellent, 90 as good, 80 as fair, and 50 as poor. For relevance, 100 videos were rated as excellent, 70 as good, 90 as fair, and 40 as poor.

Language distribution reveals that the majority of the videos are in English (83.3%), followed by Spanish (8.3%), French (5%), and other languages (3.3%). These findings suggest a diverse landscape of palliative care videos on YouTube, predominantly consisting of educational content created by individual content creators. However, the variable quality of the videos and the concentration of content in English poses limitations in terms of accuracy, completeness, relevance, and accessibility. These results highlight the need for quality control measures, efforts to enhance completeness and accuracy, and the importance of providing information in multiple languages to cater to a wider audience.

Associations via Chi-square tests

Table 5 presents the results of Chi-square tests conducted to compare the quality of information provided by different sources and types of content in YouTube videos on palliative care. The quality dimensions examined were accuracy, completeness, and relevance.

Table 5.

Chi-square tests for quality of information in YouTube videos on palliative care.

Sources	Accuracy	Completeness	Relevance
Healthcare organizations	13.42*	8.76*	9.21*
Individual content creators	11.58*	9.02*	6.84*
Media outlets	5.29	4.67	3.15
Commercial sources	7.81*	6.29*	5.42*
Video types
Educational	15.65*	10.73*	8.94*
Personal stories	10.34*	7.15*	6.67*
Promotional	5.68	4.91	3.98
Documentary	4.42	3.78	2.64
Other	3.27	2.92	2.01

Statistically significant result at p < 0.05.²⁴

Regarding video sources, healthcare organizations and individual content creators showed statistically significant associations with accuracy (χ² = 13.42, p < 0.05; χ² = 11.58, p < 0.05), completeness (χ² = 8.76, p < 0.05; χ² = 9.02, p < 0.05), and relevance (χ² = 9.21, p < 0.05; χ² = 6.84, p < 0.05). Media outlets and commercial sources did not demonstrate significant associations with these quality dimensions.

Regarding video types, educational videos and personal stories exhibited significant associations with accuracy (χ² = 15.65, p < 0.05; χ² = 10.34, p < 0.05), completeness (χ² = 10.73, p < 0.05; χ² = 7.15, p < 0.05), and relevance (χ² = 8.94, p < 0.05; χ² = 6.67, p < 0.05). Promotional and documentary videos did not yield significant associations with these quality dimensions.

These Chi-square test results indicate that the quality of information provided in YouTube videos on palliative care varies significantly across different sources and types of content. Healthcare organizations and individual content creators tend to offer higher-quality information compared to media outlets and commercial sources. Similarly, educational videos and personal stories tend to have higher-quality information than promotional and documentary videos. These findings underscore the importance of considering the source and type of content when assessing the quality of information in YouTube videos on palliative care. By identifying these associations, this study provides valuable insights into the variations in information quality and offers opportunities for targeted interventions to improve the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of online resources in this domain.

Upon further examination of the analyzed YouTube videos on palliative care, prevalent content themes emerged. The content primarily revolves around educational materials, personal narratives, and promotional content. Educational videos, constituting 40% of the analyzed sample, predominantly aim to explain various aspects of palliative care, including its principles, benefits, and common practices. Personal stories, comprising 26.7% of the videos, offer firsthand accounts and experiences related to palliative care, contributing a human touch to the informational landscape. Additionally, promotional videos (16.7%) showcase services, events, or initiatives related to palliative care.

Discussion

In this research, we analyzed YouTube videos to evaluate the quality and accessibility of resources for care. To gain an understanding of our findings, we will compare them to the results from five other studies. These studies examined aspects of resources related to palliative care, shedding light on how patient education and information sharing are currently being addressed.

One of the studies conducted by Johnson et al. focused on both Google websites and YouTube videos on health care. The researchers discovered that the popular Google websites predominantly belonged to organizations that promoted palliative care. These websites consistently emphasized the significance of ‘quality of life’ and ‘relief from symptoms and stress’, which aligns with the definition of care. However, it was observed that none of these websites mentioned anything about children, and there was an emphasis on palliative care for cancer rather than other diseases. On the other hand, when analyzing YouTube videos, it was found that 60% of them included stories, which created a strong emotional bond with viewers. This suggests that YouTube serves as a platform for individuals to share their experiences and to evoke emotions among their audience.²⁵

According to Liu et al.,²⁰ search engines, such as YouTube, have an impact on how the general public perceives palliative care. The study also highlighted the importance of including resources for children. Hu et al.²⁶ aimed to assess the quality, accuracy, and completeness of videos related to gastric cancer on TikTok (in English and Japanese) and Douyin (in Chinese). A total of 78 English videos, 63 Japanese videos, and 99 Chinese videos were analyzed. The sources of the videos varied, with health professionals being the primary source in English and Japanese and private users being the primary source in Chinese. The study found that only a portion of the videos contained useful information about gastric cancer, with Douyin in Chinese having the highest quality scores. The most frequently covered topics in educational videos were prognoses in English, symptoms in Japanese, and prevention in Chinese.

The accuracy of data regarding palliative care on the Internet has grown over the previous 2 years, according to a 2015 research. Palliative care appears to be defined consistently throughout Google domains, including how patients are cared for as their illnesses progress. Google’s web pages prioritize education above emotional comfort. However, the majority were written at a 10th-grade reading level and needed a college degree to understand. Adults’ average reading level, according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy survey, is between seventh and eighth grade.²⁷

YouTube videos, in contrast to Google websites, aim to enlighten while also adding personal accounts of people who have received palliative care. The majority of comments on YouTube were supportive and passionate; however, users tended to not use the commenting section to ask further questions. Only a few sentiments that were more negative than positive toward doctors and healthcare were present among the comments that were analyzed. This lends credence to the notion that as more people embrace the specialization, the perception of palliative care is changing. However, these critical remarks were made with great passion and implied unethical behavior on the part of the medical profession toward the patients.²⁸

To deal with the stigma and emotional weight that may enter talks, healthcare workers must keep in mind that palliative care is an emotionally charged issue. To properly overcome these unfavorable attitudes, our field must be aware of them. Healthcare professionals, not the public, are predominantly involved in palliative care-related Twitter and Facebook engagement. These forums serve to connect experts, not to educate the public on the fundamentals of palliative care.²⁹

The important terms ‘a high standard of life’ and ‘relief from symptoms and stress’ are included in the description of palliative care the public perceives, which is typically consistent. The majority of websites clarified the distinction between palliative care and hospice. To maintain consistency, the descriptions of palliative care used by medical professionals should utilize terminology similar to that used by educational resources that specifically clarify these distinctions. Unfortunately, the most popular YouTube videos and Google websites concentrate on the elderly and cancer patients rather than youth when discussing palliative care. The public’s ignorance of the extent of palliative care may be exacerbated by the neglect of pediatric palliative care. More youth and individuals with ailments are now included as the medical profession updates its websites.³⁰

Comparing the findings of Hu et al.²⁶ with our study on palliative care YouTube videos, there are some similarities and differences. Both studies assessed the quality of online resources related to specific health topics on social media platforms. The importance of accurate and reliable information is evident in both studies, as well as the need for comprehensive and informative content. However, while our study focused on YouTube videos related to palliative care, Hu et al. examined videos on gastric cancer on TikTok and Douyin.

The variations in the quality and sources of videos highlight the need for ongoing efforts to improve the reliability and educational value of online health-related content across different platforms and languages. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on the use of social media for the dissemination of health information and underscore the importance of developing evidence-based strategies for enhancing the accessibility and quality of online health resources.

In another investigation by Wang and Malik,³¹ researchers focused on YouTube videos relating to urology. The research discovered that patient-uploaded videos were the most popular and widely discussed on YouTube. These videos covered a range of topics including experiences, advertisements, patient education, and raising awareness about cancer. This highlights a gap in the availability of educational content on YouTube for individuals seeking information about pancreatic cancer. The study emphasized the importance of healthcare providers utilizing this platform to create and share videos that enhance patient education.

Implication

When comparing our study on palliative care YouTube videos to research findings, several key points become evident. Firstly, the inclusion of stories in YouTube videos establishes an emotional connection and proves valuable for engaging and supporting patients. However, there is a lack of coverage on topics such as risk factors, protective factors, screening tests, and palliative care itself. This indicates a need for informative content to address these gaps. Healthcare providers and organizations should acknowledge YouTube’s potential as a platform for disseminating information. Actively contribute to the development of educational videos that fill these knowledge voids.

Limitation

It is important to mention that all the studies, including ours, have recognized limitations and areas for improvement in search for quality and availability of online resources concerning palliative care. These limitations encompass biasness in video selection and the lack of potential resources that are specialized in palliative care for diverse populations. Future research and interventions should prioritize addressing these limitations by taking large number of videos and increasing the number of experts to analyze the online resources for palliative care.

Conclusion

This research aimed to provide insights into the availability and quality of online resources for palliative care. The findings can guide evidence-based strategies to enhance outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life. Our study comparison with research emphasizes the significance of YouTube as a platform for education and information sharing within the realm of palliative care. While personal stories establish connections among different issues, there is a need for inclusive and informative videos covering various aspects of palliative care. As online content creators are evolving, this type of content analysis should be carried out by future researchers in a timely fashion. Overall, healthcare providers and organizations have an opportunity to contribute toward creating quality resources that address the gaps identified in this study. Ultimately, this will enhance education, support systems, and total care in the field of palliative care.

Footnotes

Acknowledgements

I am profoundly grateful to the reviewers for their invaluable and comprehensive feedback.

Declarations

ORCID iD

Fhaied Almobarak

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