Is it in writing now? Changing practice in an adolescent mental health team

Background: Sending clinical letters to patients is common practice in CAMHS. Ease of reading and understanding is important for patients. Readability formulae are feasible and quick ways to assess this. Method: Clinical letters sent to patients were analysed for readability and whether they reached a preset threshold. Factors influencing readability were investigated. Results: Most letters were less easily readable than is appropriate. Letters written directly to patients were more readable than copied letters. Conclusions: Patients sometimes receive letters that are unlikely to be easily readable. Word processing packages contain readability formulae that could be used to check and improve readability of letters. Key Practitioner Message:CAMHS services often send letters to patients or copy letters to patients • Readability can be assessed using widely available measures • Analyses showed that many letters were not at a suitable readability level, which compromises the sharing of information • Patients' views need to be ascertained

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Readability of CAMHS clinical letters

Bennett

Drane

Gilchrist

2011

Child Adoles Ment Health

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Is it in writing now? Changing practice in an adolescent mental health team

Abstract: A repeat investigation of written communication with patients by a multidisciplinary Tier 2–4 adolescent CAMHs team found increased use of written communication. We highlight the need to explore young people’s views, and for further training and practice development.

Cited by 1 publication

References 9 publications

Readability of CAMHS clinical letters

Readability of CAMHS clinical letters

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