scholarly journals Poor Readability of COVID-19 Vaccine Information for the General Public: A Lost Opportunity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke S Buthun ◽  
Scott Feeder ◽  
Gregory A Poland
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Adverse Event ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Average Length ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Vaccine Information

Background: All adults in the Unites States now have access to COVID-19 vaccines. During the vaccination process, Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) fact sheets are provided. Objective: To analyze the ease of reading (i.e., readability) of the EUA-approved fact sheets for the vaccines currently available in the United States, the V-Safe adverse event survey script, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on COVID-19 vaccines. Design: We analyzed the readability of Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen EUA fact sheets, as well as the V-Safe survey script and the vaccine-related information on the CDC website. Measurements: Readability factors include the following: average length of paragraphs, sentences, and words; font size and style; use of passive voice; the Gunning-Fog index; the Flesch Reading Ease index; and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level index. Results: Only the V-Safe adverse event survey script met readability standards for adequate comprehension. The mean readability scores of the EUA fact sheets and the CDC website were as follows: Flesch Reading Ease score (mean 44.35); Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (mean 10.48); and Gunning-Fog index (mean 11.8). These scores indicate that a 10th-12th grade-level education is necessary to comprehend these documents. Conclusion: The average person in the United States would have difficulty understanding the information provided in the EUA fact sheets and CDC COVID-19 vaccine website; however, the V-Safe survey was written at an appropriate reading level. To ensure that the public fully understands information regarding COVID-19 vaccines, simplified information material should be developed.

How readable and reliable is online patient information on chronic rhinosinusitis?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
A Habeeb
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Patient Information ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Improve Patient Compliance ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Average Adult

Abstract Objective This study aimed to assess the quality and readability of websites on chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods A total of 180 results from 3 different search engines regarding ‘chronic rhinosinusitis’, ‘sinusitis’ and ‘sinus infections’ were analysed for readability using the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score and Gunning Fog Index. The Discern tool was used to approximate information quality. Results From 180 total searches, 69 unique websites were identified. These had an average Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level of 9.75 (95 per cent confidence interval = 9.12–10.4), a Flesch Reading Ease Score of 45.0 (41.0–49.0) and a Gunning Fog Index of 13.7 (12.9–14.4), which equates to the average reading level of a college or university student. Discern scores were variable but consistently showed good-quality information. Conclusion Chronic rhinosinusitis information is of a high quality but is for a reading level higher than that of the average adult. Standardising patient information should ensure adequate comprehension and improve patient compliance.

Readability of Online Health Information: A Meta-Narrative Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lubna Daraz ◽  
Allison S. Morrow ◽  
Oscar J. Ponce ◽  
Wigdan Farah ◽  
Abdulrahman Katabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
General Public ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Cross Sectional

Online health information should meet the reading level for the general public (set at sixth-grade level). Readability is a key requirement for information to be helpful and improve quality of care. The authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate the readability of online health information in the United States and Canada. Out of 3743 references, the authors included 157 cross-sectional studies evaluating 7891 websites using 13 readability scales. The mean readability grade level across websites ranged from grade 10 to 15 based on the different scales. Stratification by specialty, health condition, and type of organization producing information revealed the same findings. In conclusion, online health information in the United States and Canada has a readability level that is inappropriate for general public use. Poor readability can lead to misinformation and may have a detrimental effect on health. Efforts are needed to improve readability and the content of online health information.

scholarly journals An Analysis of the Readability of Educational Materials on the Consumer Webpage of a Health Professional Organization: Considerations for Practice

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naudia Falconer ◽  
E. Reicherter ◽  
Barbara Billek-Sawhney ◽  
Steven Chesbro
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Health Professional ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Professional Organization ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Site Evaluation ◽  
American Physical

The readability level of many patient education materials is too high for patients to comprehend, placing the patient’s health at risk. Since health professionals often recommend Internet-based patient education resources, they must ensure that the readability of information provided to consumers is at an appropriate level. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the readability of educational brochures found on the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) consumer website. Methods: Fourteen educational brochures on the APTA website in March 2008 were analyzed using the following assessments: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease, Fry Readability Formula, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Checklist for Patient Education Materials, and Consumer Health Web Site Evaluation Checklist. Results: According to the Flesch-Kincaid and Flesch Reading Ease, over 90% of the brochures were written at greater than a sixth grade level. The mean reading level was grade 10.2 (range = 3.1 to 12) with a Reading Ease score between 31.5 to 79.9. Using the SMOG formula, the brochures had a mean reading level of grade 11.5 (range = 9 to 13). The Fry Readability showed that 85% of the brochures were written higher than a sixth grade level, with a mean reading level of grade 9.5 (range = 6 to 14). Conclusion: Findings suggest that most of the consumer education information available on the website of this health professional organization had readability scores that were too high for average consumers to read.

Quality, Readability, and Trends for Websites on Ankyloglossia

2018 ◽  
Vol 127 (7) ◽  
pp. 439-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Leigh Aaronson ◽  
Johnathan Edward Castaño ◽  
Jeffrey P. Simons ◽  
Noel Jabbour
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
Optimal Range ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Reading Grade Level ◽  
Public Health Information ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Readability Formula

Objective: This study evaluates the quality and readability of websites on ankyloglossia, tongue tie, and frenulectomy. Methods: Google was queried with six search terms: tongue tie, tongue tie and breastfeeding, tongue tie and frenulectomy, ankyloglossia, ankyloglossia and breastfeeding, and ankyloglossia and frenulectomy. Website quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score, and Fry readability formula. Correlations were calculated. Search terms were analyzed for frequency using Google Trends and the NCBI database. Results: Of the maximum of 80, average DISCERN score for the websites was 65.7 (SD = 9.1, median = 65). Mean score for the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level was 11.6 (SD = 3.0, median = 10.7). Two websites (10%) were in the optimal range of 6 to 8. Google Trends shows tongue tie searches increasing in frequency, although the NCBI database showed a decreased in tongue tie articles. Conclusions: Most of the websites on ankyloglossia were of good quality; however, a majority were above the recommended reading level for public health information. Parents increasingly seek information on ankyloglossia online, while fewer investigators are publishing articles on this topic.

scholarly journals Readability of patient education materials related to radiation safety: What are the implications for patient-centred radiology care?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis T. Delaney ◽  
Tiarnán Ó. Doinn ◽  
James M. Broderick ◽  
Emma Stanley
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Radiation Safety ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Reading Grade Level ◽  
8Th Grade ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Grade Reading Level

Abstract Background Increasing numbers of patients and carers rely on online resources for healthcare information. Radiation safety can be misunderstood by patients and clinicians and lead to patient anxiety. We aimed to assess the readability of online patient educational materials (PEMs) related to radiation safety. Methods A total of 84 articles pertaining to radiation safety from 14 well-known online resources were identified. PEMs were then analysed using Readability Studio Professional Edition Version 2019. Readability was assessed using eight different instruments: the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, Raygor Estimate, SMOG, Coleman–Liau, Fry, FORCAST, Gunning Fog, and Flesch Reading Ease Score formula. The mean reading grade level (RGL) of each article was compared to the 6th and 8th grade reading level using 1-sample t-tests. Results The cumulative mean RGL for all 84 articles was 13.3 (range = 8.6–17.4), and none were written at or below the 6th or 8th grade level. The cumulative mean RGL exceeded the 6th grade reading level by an average of 7.3 levels (95% CI, 6.8–7.8; p < 0.001) and the 8th grade level by an average of 5.3 grade levels (95% CI, 4.8–5.8; p < 0.001). The mean Flesch Reading Ease Score was 39/100 (‘difficult’). Conclusion Currently available online PEMs related to radiation safety are still written at higher than recommended reading levels. Radiation safety is a topic in which the specialist training of radiologists is crucial in providing guidance to patients. Addressing the readability of online PEMs can improve radiology-patient communication and support the shift to a patient-centred model of practice.

scholarly journals A-229 Is the Multitude Proficiently Able to Elucidate the Imperative Substance and Subsequently Able to Identify the Applicable Inferential Material to Adequately Utilize Assessments: Can People Read and Understand our Reports?

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1024-1024
Author(s):  
Newsham G ◽  
Imre Z ◽  
Kibby M ◽  
Cormier H
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Readability Score ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Microsoft Word ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Professional Guidelines ◽  
Average Readers

Abstract Objective Many U.S. adults read at an eighth-grade level (Safeer, R., 2005). Thus, neuropsychological reports’ technical language might present a challenge for average readers. However, there are no professional guidelines on report readability and little formal research on the topic. Hence, the study’s objective was to investigate the average readability of psychological and neuropsychological reports from a local university clinic and to provide suggestions for improving the readability of reports. Method 73 psychological reports and 34 neuropsychological reports were analyzed using the readability feature in Microsoft Word. This feature provides two outcomes of interest: the Flesch Reading Ease score (a 100-point scale with higher numbers indicating easier readability) and the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level Score (which provides a U.S. grade-level equivalence). Documents are considered readable with a reading ease score of 60 and a grade level score of 8.0. The average and range of scores for each report type were calculated. Results In general, psychological reports were written at a 13.2 (12–14.8) grade level, with a readability score of 34.3 (24.2–41.4). Neuropsychological reports were written at a 12.6 (11.2–14.5) grade level, with a readability score of 36.3 (25.5–42.7). Conclusion(s) The reports reviewed are functionally unreadable to many in the general public, which has important implications for clinical practice. This could be addressed by altering the reading level at which reports are written, including “plain-language” inserts, or altering specific parts of reports that have the most relevance to clients (e.g. summary and recommendations) to increase comprehension. Feedback on these ideas will be garnered at the poster.

scholarly journals Health Literacy: Physical Therapists' Perspectives

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Bilek-Sawhney ◽  
E. Reicherter ◽  
Billie Yatta ◽  
Shannon Duranko
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
The United States ◽  
Home Exercise ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease

Background and Purpose: The literature is replete with research and guidelines indicating that educational materials provided by healthcare workers often surpass the average reading ability of adults in the United States (US). The purpose of this article was two-fold: (1) to assess PTs’ knowledge and use of health literacy strategies, and (2) to assess written home exercise programs for 10 outpatient physical therapy practices. Method: Physical therapist conference attendees attending a state chapter meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association were invited to participate; a total of 43 participated. In addition, 10 outpatient physical therapy practices in western Pennsylvania provided a home exercise program (HEP) for review; a sample of convenience was employed for selecting these sites. Participants were solicited via inclusion of an introductory cover letter, written survey on health literacy, and a return envelope in each conference applicant’s registration packet. Data were collected over the course of the conference. The home exercise programs were either mailed or requested in person by one of the investigators. The home exercise programs were reviewed for Flesch reading ease, the Flesch-Kincaid grade level, and the presence of diagrams. Results: Only 25% of PTs report that they clinically assess or screen for problems related to illiteracy. Seven percent (n=3) of the respondents recognized the incidence of illiteracy in United States, although 65% (n=28) were aware of the relationship of illiteracy to poorer health status. The average Flesch reading ease was 75.08 ± 18.99 and the grade level was 4.59 ± 3.59. Each of the 10 home exercise programs included pictures or diagrams. Discussion and Conclusion: Clinical implications of this study include recognition of the need to employ appropriate reading levels for patient educational materials, from HEPs to educational brochures. Physical therapists must become more aware of health literacy by implementing the most appropriate interventions to allow for the best possible outcomes for the patient.

The quality, understandability, readability, and popularity of online educational materials for heart murmur

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-336
Author(s):  
Derya Arslan ◽  
Mahmut Sami Tutar ◽  
Betul Kozanhan ◽  
Zafer Bagci
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Heart Murmur ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Global Quality ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Grade Reading Level

AbstractObjective:Murmurs are abnormal audible heart sounds produced by turbulent blood flow. Therefore, murmurs in a child may be a source of anxiety for family members. Families often use online materials to explore possible reasons for these murmurs, given the accessibility of information on the Internet. In this study, we evaluated the quality, understandability, readability, and popularity of online materials about heart murmur.Methods:An Internet search was performed for “heart murmur” using the Google search engine. The global quality score (on a scale of 1 to 5, corresponding to poor to excellent quality) and Health on the Net code were used to measure the quality of information presented. The understandability of the web pages identified was measured using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (score range from 0 to 100%, scores below 70% reflect poor performance). The readability of each web pages was assessed using four validated indices: the Flesch Reading Ease Score, the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, the Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook, and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook. The ALEXA traffic tool was used to reference domains’ popularity and visibility.Results:We identified 230 English-language patient educational materials that discussed heart murmur. After exclusion, a total of 86 web pages were evaluated for this study. The average global quality score was 4.34 (SD = 0.71; range from 3 to 5) indicating that the quality of information of most websites was good. Only 14 (16.3%) websites had Health on the Net certification. The mean understandability score for all Internet-based patient educational materials was 74.6% (SD = 12.8%; range from 31.2 to 93.7%). A score suggesting these Internet-based patient educational materials were “easy to understand”. The mean readability levels of all patient educational materials were higher than the recommended sixth-grade reading level, according to all indices applied. This means that the level of readability is difficult. The average grade level for all web pages was 10.4 ± 1.65 (range from 7.53 to 14.13). The Flesch–Kincaid Grade level was 10 ± 1.81, the Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook level was 12.1 ± 1.85, and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook level was 9.1 ± 1.38. The average Flesch Reading Ease Score was 55 ± 9.1 (range from 32.4 to 72.9).Conclusion:We demonstrated that web pages describing heart murmurs were understandable and high quality. However, the readability level of the websites was above the recommended sixth-grade reading level. Readability of written materials from online sources need to be improved. However, care must be taken to ensure that the information of web pages is of a high quality and understandable.

Vaccine Information Statements. Revolutionary but Neglected Educational Advances in Healthcare in the United States

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard F. Edlich ◽  
Marcus L. Martin ◽  
Marni L. Foley ◽  
Jocelynn H. Gebhart ◽  
Kathryne L. Winters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Information

scholarly journals Strategies for Disseminating and Implementing the COVID-19 Vaccines in Rural Areas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Prusaczyk
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Urban Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
The United States ◽  
Urban Residents ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Vaccine Information ◽  
Roll Out

Abstract The United States has well-documented rural-urban health disparities and it is imperative that these are not exacerbated by an inefficient roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines to rural areas. In addition to the pre-existing barriers to delivering and receiving healthcare in rural areas, such as high patient:provider ratios and long geographic distances between patients and providers, rural residents are significantly more likely to say they have no intention of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to urban residents. To overcome these barriers and ensure rural residents receive the vaccine, officials and communities should look to previous research on how to communicate vaccine information and implement successful vaccination programs in rural areas for guidance and concrete strategies to use in their local efforts.

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