How readable are orthodontic patient information leaflets?

• Autores: Jayne E Harrison
• Localización: Journal of orthodontics, ISSN-e 0301-228X, ISSN 1465-3125, Nº. 3-31, 2004, págs. 210-219
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Objective: To assess the readability of published orthodontic patient information leaflets (PILs) and their eligibility for the Plain English Campaign�s Crystal Mark.

    Design: A retrospective, observational study.

    Setting: PILs available from professional organizations and commercial companies.

    Materials and methods: Twenty-six orthodontic PILs were assessed. The entire text of each leaflet was reproduced in Microsoft Word, 2000. Readability statistics were obtained via the �Tools� menu. The design elements of each leaflet were assessed. The leaflets were sent to the Plain English Campaign for assessment of their eligibility for the Crystal Mark.

    Outcome measures: Leaflet and sentence length, passive percentage, Flesch Reading Ease score, Flesch Kincaid Grade Level, design percentage and eligibility for the Plain English Campaign�s Crystal Mark.

    Results: Overall, nearly half of the leaflets (42.3%) were rated as �fairly difficult� or �difficult� to read. However, the BOS PILs were significantly better than the AAO leaflets in all but one outcome with the BOS leaflets being rated as �standard� or �fairly easy� to read, meaning that 70�80% of the UK population would be able to understand them. None of the PILs were eligible for the Plain English Campaign�s Crystal Mark.

    Conclusions: The orthodontic PILs assessed were difficult to read and none were eligible for the Plain English Campaign�s Crystal Mark. However, the BOS leaflets were much easier to read and better designed than those produced by the AAO making them a useful tool to improve patients� understanding of different treatment options and allowing them to be used in the informed consent process.