Readability level of patient information leaflets for older people.

Autor: Cronin, M., O'Hanlon, S., O'Connor, M.
Zdroj: Irish Journal of Medical Science; Jan2010, Vol. 180 Issue 1, p139-142, 4p
Abstrakt: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index
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