Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Literacy levels required to complete routinely used patient-reported outcome measures in rheumatology
Jo Adams1, Judith Chapman, Sarah Bradley
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, Hants SO17 1BJ, UK. ja@soton.ac.uk
Objective:
To assess the reading levels required to complete patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) commonly used in rheumatology clinical and research settings.
Methods:
Ten PROs written in English were evaluated. Four reviewers critiqued each measure blindly using two standardized readability indexes and a final readability score for each PRO was agreed.
Results:
Only six of the PROs met the recommended reading level for health education literature.
Conclusion:
Many people completing PROs will not be able to understand what they are answering and will be unable to give an accurate perspective on their condition.
Related Concept Videos
Health Literacy
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
