Readability of online patient education materials for juvenile dermatomyositis

Nickles, Melissa A; Ramani, Santhoshini Leela; Tegtmeyer, Kyle; Zhao, Jeffrey; Lio, Peter A.

doi:10.1111/pde.14513

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 2 publications

(2 reference statements)

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“…In this study, the 22 sites with online education materials related to vocal cord leukoplakia were written at readability levels above those recommended by the AMA/NIH. These results are consistent with many other readability studies that have been published within otolaryngology 7,8,20,28–33 and other specialties 34–43 …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Readability of Online Materials Related to Vocal Cord Leukoplakia

Shneyderman

Snow²,

Davis³

et al. 2021

OTO Open

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Objectives To assess readability and understandability of online materials for vocal cord leukoplakia. Study Design Review of online materials. Setting Academic medical center. Methods A Google search of “vocal cord leukoplakia” was performed, and the first 50 websites were considered for analysis. Readability was measured by the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG). Understandability and actionability were assessed by 2 independent reviewers with the PEMAT-P (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials). Unpaired t tests compared scores between sites aimed at physicians and those at patients, and a Cohen’s kappa was calculated to measure interrater reliability. Results Twenty-two websites (17 patient oriented, 5 physician oriented) met inclusion criteria. For the entire cohort, FRES, FKGL, and SMOG scores (mean ± SD) were 36.90 ± 20.65, 12.96 ± 3.28, and 15.65 ± 3.57, respectively, indicating that materials were difficult to read at a >12th-grade level. PEMAT-P understandability and actionability scores were 73.65% ± 7.05% and 13.63% ± 22.47%. Statistically, patient-oriented sites were more easily read than physician-oriented sites ( P < .02 for each of the FRES, FKGL, and SMOG comparisons); there were no differences in understandability or actionability scores between these categories of sites. Conclusion Online materials for vocal cord leukoplakia are written at a level more advanced than what is recommended for patient education materials. Awareness of the current ways that these online materials are failing our patients may lead to improved education materials in the future.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Readability of Online Materials Related to Vocal Cord Leukoplakia

Shneyderman

Snow²,

Davis³

et al. 2021

OTO Open

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“…Reading level assessments to evaluate patient-facing materials can help determine if decision aids are written at a level that patients with limited health literacy levels are able to understand [11 ▪▪ ,15]. One study appraising online patient education material for juvenile dermatomyositis found that information, whether written by healthcare providers or nonhealthcare providers, was at a higher reading level than the average US resident's reading level of 8th grade; moreover, materials written by healthcare providers were at a higher level than those written by nonhealthcare providers [16]. Numeracy and electronic health literacy both impact comprehension, as well [7,17].…”

Section: Communicating Diagnosis and Treatment Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Numeracy and electronic health literacy both impact comprehension, as well [7,17]. Dermatology patient education materials commonly have reading levels significantly above the nationally recommended guidelines, particularly due to complex medical terminology [11 ▪▪ ,16,18–21]. A study looking at eczema action plans found that the mean reading level was three grades above the recommended reading level of 6th grade for materials geared toward the general population [18].…”

Section: Communicating Diagnosis and Treatment Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health literacy in pediatric dermatology: challenges and opportunities

Williams

Housten

Coughlin

2023

Current Opinion in Pediatrics

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Purpose of review Health literacy influences how children and families participate in their medical care, use health services, and overall health outcomes. Health literacy is underexplored in pediatric dermatology. In this scoping review, we provide examples of how limited health literacy can be a barrier to patient care in pediatric dermatology and how to mitigate its effects. Recent findings Limited health literacy is associated with worse health outcomes, decreased medication adherence, and decreased use of the healthcare system versus those with adequate health literacy. Materials created to help patients understand their medical conditions and treatment options often are written at a reading level far above that of the average patient and caregiver. Given the reading level of patient-facing materials, those with limited health literacy are more susceptible to medication administration errors, with omissions or incorrect dosing being most frequent to occur. There is limited research about how skills related to health literacy, including numeracy and electronic health literacy, can be addressed in pediatric dermatology. Summary Health literacy impacts patient care, treatment, and adherence in pediatric dermatology. This article gives examples of how to address common challenges in the pediatric dermatology clinic and presents areas for further research and improvement.

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“…The most commonly cited tool in pediatric dermatology literature is the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test. [2][3][4] This tool is also available in Microsoft ® Word and can be utilized directly in the document to determine reading levels. 7 Additional tools which calculate readability include the Fry Readability Graph, the Gunning 'FOG' Readability Test, and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Readability Formula.…”

Section: De Termining the Patient ' S Appropriate Re Ading Le Velmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, written materials dedicated to the pediatric population are often not at appropriate reading levels. 4 The psychosocial impact of pediatric skin diseases cannot be overlooked. Childhood skin conditions can negatively affect emotional health and self-esteem due to embarrassment and bullying, contributing to poor treatment adherence and development of psychiatric comorbidities.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Creating patient‐directed education in pediatric dermatology: A guide for creators

Park

Haft

Burdick

et al. 2022

Pediatric Dermatology

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Increased patient knowledge of their disease process strengthens treatment adherence, achieves behavioral modification, and improves health outcomes. 1,2 To cater to the unique needs of pediatric and adolescent patients, written materials such as storybooks and comics can enhance patient education about dermatological diseases. There are at least 23 children's books about atopic dermatitis and 17 storybooks on sun safety. 2,3 However, other common skin conditions such as molluscum, warts, hyperhidrosis, and birthmarks have few resources targeted specifically to children. Furthermore, written materials dedicated to the pediatric population are often not at appropriate reading levels. 4 The psychosocial impact of pediatric skin diseases cannot be overlooked. Childhood skin conditions can negatively affect emotional health and self-esteem due to embarrassment and bullying, contributing to poor treatment adherence and development of psychiatric comorbidities. 5 Although pediatric dermatologists strive to provide effective education and counseling, it can be challenging to assess and reinforce patient understanding of skin disease and ways to cope with its impact during an office visit. Patients and families are often provided aftervisit summaries (AVS) at the close of their visits that detail relevant skin conditions. The AVS can educate about skin diseases in general and highlight treatment plans and return precautions. They are one of many opportunities in the pediatric dermatology practice to engage and teach patients and families. However, there are ways to improve the AVS to increase the likelihood that they will be read. In this article, we provide guidance on searching for, developing, and delivering effective patient education tools custom-tailored to the pediatric audience.

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Readability of online patient education materials for juvenile dermatomyositis

Cited by 6 publications

References 2 publications

Readability of Online Materials Related to Vocal Cord Leukoplakia

Readability of Online Materials Related to Vocal Cord Leukoplakia

Health literacy in pediatric dermatology: challenges and opportunities

Creating patient‐directed education in pediatric dermatology: A guide for creators

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