Patient information leaflet on mastoid surgery risks: assessment of readability and patient understanding

It is important that patients have a good understanding of surgery-related risks, particularly for mastoid surgery, which exposes patients to the risk of very serious complications, despite addressing conditions which often have only minor symptoms.

A patient information leaflet describing the risks of mastoid surgery was prepared. However, the Hospital Patient Advice and Liaison Services team thought it was too long and complicated. It was introduced unchanged. Fifty-four consecutive mastoidectomy patients were given a questionnaire asking for their opinion of the leaflet. The leaflet was also assessed with readability formulae and the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients tool.

Ninety-eight per cent of respondents thought the leaflet's writing style was easy to understand. The majority (96 per cent) thought the length was 'just right'. The 7 readability formulae used established readability at a grade 9 level (i.e. appropriate for a reading age of 13-15 years). The Ensuring Quality Information for Patients score was 87.5 per cent.

Despite the drive to simplify patient information leaflets, quite detailed information is sometimes required. A style which is too simple may be perceived as patronising and may encourage patients to underestimate potential risks. It is important to ask patients their opinion.