Readability assessment of internet‐based patient education materials related to endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract

Current Internet-based PEMs related to ESS, regardless of source type, were written well above the recommended sixth-grade level. Materials from the hospitals/university-affiliated websites had lower readability scores, but were still above recommended levels. Web-based PEMs pertaining to ESS should be written with the average patient in mind.

Assessment of Online Patient Education Materials From Major Ophthalmologic Associations

“…Readability above the average American literacy level is a widespread issue that has been identified broadly throughout PEMs in other specialties and is not just limited to ophthalmology. Prior studies performed in other surgical subspecialties such as otolaryngology, [20][21][22] urology, 23 orthopedic surgery, [24][25][26] and neurosurgery 27 have shown similar results:…”

Medicolegal Issues in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Complications

“…The average distance to the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus is 7 cm from the nasal spine. 3 Without measurement, sometimes the surgeon is actually in the sphenoid sinus when they think they are in the posterior ethmoid sinus. In this scenario, the surgeon, thinking he is in the posterior ethmoid, opens the "front" wall of the sphenoid only to be greeted by a torrent of bleeding from the internal carotid.…”

“…There are several studies documenting tape recorded or video recorded evidence of informed consent with the patient remembering little of the conversation when queried after the discussion. 3 Documentation is essential. A question is often raised about just how in depth complications should be discussed.…”

Pitfalls in Sinus Surgery

“…16,23,24,30,[48][49][50] Enhanced communication may improve patient satisfaction as well as minimize the risk of medicolegal action should an adverse event occur, and such communication should include providing patient education materials written at an appropriate level with nonmedical jargon to facilitate patient comprehension. 48,[51][52][53][54][55] The use of image guidance systems (IGSs) in ESS has proliferated over the past decade, although there are few studies showing that its use definitively decreases complications. A systematic review of the literature by Ramakrishnan and colleagues 56 noted that most evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of IGSs were based on limited literature, concluding that its use should be considered on a case-by-case basis.…”