Educational Content Quality and Information Reliability of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measurement Videos on YouTube: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Introduction: Intracranial Pressure (ICP) assessment is essential in the management of neurocritical patients. Ultrasonographic measurement of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD) has emerged as a practical, non-invasive bedside method for detecting elevated ICP. As YouTube is widely used for learning ultrasound-based techniques, the accuracy and educational quality of ONSD-related content warrant systematic evaluation. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the educational quality, information reliability, and technical adequacy of ONSD measurement videos available on YouTube. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 33 YouTube videos identified through a systematic search conducted on January 15, 2026, and meeting predefined inclusion criteria were analysed. Videos were independently evaluated by two reviewers using a newly developed 7-item Educational Content Checklist, along with the DISCERN instrument, Global Quality Scale (GQS), and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. Video characteristics and engagement metrics were recorded. Correlations between video parameters and evaluation scores were analysed using Spearman correlation analysis. Results: The median (IQR) Educational Content Score was 22 (19-30), the mean DISCERN score was 43.79±14.64, the median (IQR) GQS score was 4 (2-4), and the median (IQR) JAMA score was 2 (1-3). The median (IQR) video duration was 6.55 (2.30- 13.22) minutes, and the median (IQR) view ratio was 0.51 (0.12- 3.28) views/day. Video duration and view ratio showed moderate positive correlations with the Educational Content Score, DISCERN, and GQS metrics (all p≤0.001). The videos had a median (IQR) subscriber count of 2600 (1090-10000) and a median (IQR) upload time of 39 (19-55) months. Regarding viewer engagement metrics, the median (IQR) like count, comment count, and view count were 7 (2-61), 0 (0-5), and 611 (102–2100), respectively. Most videos were produced by intensive care medicine (27.3%) and emergency medicine (24.2%) specialists, and approximately half (51.5%) demonstrated the technique on human subjects. Conclusion: ONSD measurement videos on YouTube demonstrate substantial instructional value for technical skill acquisition; however, they suffer from critical deficiencies in theoretical depth and academic reliability. Although these videos may serve as effective visual procedural guides, they should be supplemented with peer-reviewed literature, clinical guidelines, and standard textbooks to ensure comprehensive and safe medical education.