BACKGROUND: Limited literacy is associated with a nearly twofold increase in mortality in older patients. AIMS: The aim was to assess the readability level of patient information leaflets in Ireland. METHODS: The SMOG formula is a validated tool to assess readability of text, providing an estimate of the years of education needed to understand a piece of writing. We evaluated 45 common patient information leaflets for older people, and compared them to newspapers. RESULTS: The mean readability level of the patient education leaflets was 12.57 (range 9.4-16.33). The mean readability level of broadsheet newspapers was 12. A majority of patient education materials are written at an excessively high readability level. CONCLUSION: Patient education information should be aimed at an appropriate level for the target audience. This is of particular relevance in the older population, who are at a higher risk of inadequate or marginal health literacy.
BACKGROUND: Limited literacy is associated with a nearly twofold increase in mortality in older patients. AIMS: The aim was to assess the readability level of patient information leaflets in Ireland. METHODS: The SMOG formula is a validated tool to assess readability of text, providing an estimate of the years of education needed to understand a piece of writing. We evaluated 45 common patient information leaflets for older people, and compared them to newspapers. RESULTS: The mean readability level of the patient education leaflets was 12.57 (range 9.4-16.33). The mean readability level of broadsheet newspapers was 12. A majority of patient education materials are written at an excessively high readability level. CONCLUSION:Patient education information should be aimed at an appropriate level for the target audience. This is of particular relevance in the older population, who are at a higher risk of inadequate or marginal health literacy.
Authors: Rebecca L Sudore; Kristine Yaffe; Suzanne Satterfield; Tamara B Harris; Kala M Mehta; Eleanor M Simonsick; Anne B Newman; Caterina Rosano; Ronica Rooks; Susan M Rubin; Hilsa N Ayonayon; Dean Schillinger Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2006-08 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Rebecca L Sudore; Kala M Mehta; Eleanor M Simonsick; Tamara B Harris; Anne B Newman; Suzanne Satterfield; Caterina Rosano; Ronica N Rooks; Susan M Rubin; Hilsa N Ayonayon; Kristine Yaffe Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2006-05 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: J A Gazmararian; D W Baker; M V Williams; R M Parker; T L Scott; D C Green; S N Fehrenbach; J Ren; J P Koplan Journal: JAMA Date: 1999-02-10 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Mtungwazi Kudzinesta; Mwangana Mubita; Francis Kalemeera; Brian Godman; Ester Hango; Dan Kibuule Journal: Med Access Point Care Date: 2020-05-13