Examining older people's use of the internet to understand arthroscopy for knee pain

*** Background *** Many people turn to the internet to research health concerns, and knee arthroscopy is a common topic of interest for those with persistent knee pain. However, for adults aged 45 and over, arthroscopy is often not recommended for knee pain that is not linked to a traumatic injury. Nevertheless, potentially inappropriate knee arthroscopy is common. This is driven by a range of factors, an important one of which is patient demand. What happens when people search for information about arthroscopy for knee pain, and does it contribute to demand for the procedure? We do not really know. What terms do they use, which sources do they select, and what information do they find? While some online sources are evidence-based, others are driven by vested interests. How do 'non-traditional' information sources like AI, reddit and so on play a role? This project explores what older adults search for online when trying to understand knee arthroscopy, and how the information they find influence their beliefs and intentions regarding the procedure. *** Methods *** As part of this study, you will recruit adults aged 45 and over who: Do not have a diagnosis of chronic knee pain; Have no history of acute traumatic knee injury; Have never undergone knee arthroscopy; Do not have medical training. You will conduct a web-based interview with each participant. First, you will ask a few questions to gauge their existing knowledge of knee arthroscopy. Next, you will present them with the following scenario: "You’ve had pain in your right knee for a month. You can’t recall how it started, but it’s now difficult to walk without a limp, and jogging is no longer possible. After seeing your GP, they suggest getting an MRI to better understand the issue. When you ask about treatment options, they mention that knee arthroscopy might be appropriate—but they’re not certain. After the appointment, you decide to go online and research what knee arthroscopy is and when it’s used for people over 45 with knee pain." Participants will then use their own browser to conduct self-directed online research based on the scenario. They will share their screens while they search, and you will ask them to 'talk aloud' to describe their search as they do it. The interview will be video-recorded. Afterward, you will interview participants to fill in gaps in understanding why they used particular search terms and sources. You will also ask them about how the search influenced their views on pursuing arthroscopy for their hypothetical condition. You will analyse the data descriptively by summarising participant responses and categorising search behaviours (e.g., search terms used, websites visited, time spent on each site, talk aloud content). *** Significance *** This research will offer insights into how older adults engage in online health research, particularly around arthroscopy for knee pain. The findings can inform the design of better consumer health resources, improve online information quality, and help explain why some patients continue to seek low-value arthroscopy despite clinical guidelines. *** Potential benefits *** By undertaking this project, you will address a genuine and important gap in understanding why older adults continue to seek inappropriate knee arthroscopy surgery. You will help develop and execute a novel research method for gaining this understanding, and the project design can be translated to other areas of research. You will develop your research skills, improve your writing, learn to work in an interdisciplinary team and develop you project management skills. You will have the opportunity to publish your work in a peer-reviewed journal. Our research centre has excellent opportunities for networking and further development for motivated students. *** About us *** I am a postdoctoral research fellow, using ideas from sociology, public health and social psychology to examine public understanding of health and healthcare. Our interdisciplinary team includes researchers from rheumatology, physiotherapy, implementation science, allied health, health sustainability, evidence appraisal, biostatistics and clinical epidemiology.