Assessing the Educational Quality of YouTube Videos on Central Venous Catheterization
Background Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a commonly performed invasive procedure in intensive care, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, and surgical practice. Due to the increasing use of digital learning resources, YouTube has become an important educational platform for procedural training. However, the scientific accuracy and educational quality of YouTube videos remain uncertain.
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the educational quality, procedural adequacy, and scientific reliability of YouTube videos related to central venous catheterization.
Methods A descriptive and observational study was conducted using YouTube videos related to central venous catheterization. Videos were identified using predefined keywords including “central venous catheterization,” “central line insertion,” “ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization,” and “Seldinger technique.” Videos were evaluated according to scientific accuracy, compliance with current clinical guidelines, sterile technique application, ultrasound guidance, anatomical explanation, procedural sequence, complication management, audio-visual quality, and source reliability.
Results Significant differences were identified among the evaluated videos regarding educational quality and scientific reliability. Videos produced by academic institutions, university hospitals, and professional medical organizations demonstrated higher educational value. High-quality videos commonly included ultrasound-guided vascular imaging, detailed anatomical explanations, complete sterile preparation, and systematic procedural narration. In contrast, low-quality videos frequently showed inadequate sterile technique, insufficient ultrasound guidance, incomplete anatomical explanations, and outdated procedural methods. Videos uploaded by independent content creators generally demonstrated lower scientific reliability.
Conclusion YouTube videos may serve as a useful supplementary educational resource for central venous catheterization training. However, substantial variability exists in the quality and reliability of available content. Therefore, healthcare professionals and trainees should prioritize videos produced by academic and professional organizations. Video-based learning should be combined with supervised clinical practice and simulation-based education to ensure safe and effective procedural training.
Keywords: Central venous catheterization, YouTube, Medical education, Ultrasound-guided catheterization, Seldinger technique, Procedural training
