Assessing Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines in Patient Education Materials

Abstract

Background: Adjunct human papillomavirus (HPV) testing with cervical cytology (Pap test) is one option that can increase screening intervals for women aged Ն30 years who have concurrent negative (normal) test results. Previous research suggests that most women are unaware of the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer. In addition, patients often do not understand the significance of their HPV test results, let alone the implications of negative results for future cervical cancer risk or screening options. Patient education materials that explain new screening methods and guidelines for cervical cancer screening with HPV testing can improve resource utilization and support patients making screening decisions. Methods: We identified cervical cancer screening materials published from 2004 through 2006 by U.S. government and nonprofit agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and professional associations via a web-based search. We reviewed those materials for content relating to HPV and HPV testing, screening guidelines, and reading grade level. Results: Eleven patient education materials met selection criteria for this review. Seven materials (five of which were industry sponsored or produced) promoted updated guidelines for women with concurrent negative HPV and cytology test results. The mean reading grade level of materials was found to be approximately ninth grade. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for more comprehensive, plainer language patient education materials that explain new technologies in cervical cancer screening.

Results of a Health Education Message Intervention on HPV Knowledge and Receipt of Follow-up Care among Latinas Infected with High-risk Human Papillomavirus

“…Evaluations of printed HPV (n=21) and cervical cancer prevention (n=69) educational materials designed to enhance patient knowledge and awareness found that most materials had readability levels higher than 8th grade and low suitability. 26–28 Brandt et al 26 also identified poor HPV content for the majority of HPV educational materials; however, the brochure utilized in the present analysis was not included in the evaluation. HPV educational materials may be especially problematic for Latinas.…”

Overview of the CDC Cervical Cancer (Cx3) Study: An Educational Intervention of HPV Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening

“…14 The 22-page educational brochure was written at a sixth grade reading level. 15 These materials were distributed to patients in the intervention group after they completed the baseline survey.…”

The Influence of Easy-to-Read Pamphlets About Self-Care Management of Radiation Side Effects on Patients' Knowledge

“…Much of the discussion and research regarding patient education materials has been limited to relationships between low literacy and patient decision making, medication administration, communication, and self-care management of chronic diseases. Numerous studies have been conducted on the development and evaluation of easy-to-read patient education materials (Roland et al, 2009;Rudd, 2010;Wilson, Brown, & Stephens-Ferris, 2006), yet gaps exist in the literature on easy-to-read materials focused on temporary treatments such as self-care management of radiation side effects. The current study sought to address that disparity.…”