Readability analysis of informed consent forms for genetic tests in Mexico

Area of Science:

• Medical Genetics
• Bioethics
• Health Communication

Background:

• Informed consent (IC) is crucial for patients undergoing genetic laboratory tests (LGT).
• Assessing the legibility and understandability of IC documents is essential for ethical patient care.
• Lack of clarity in IC forms can impede informed decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the readability of IC documents used for LGT in Mexico.
• To identify specific readability challenges in existing IC forms.
• To provide a basis for improving patient comprehension of genetic testing information.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 10 free IC forms for LGT available online in Mexico.
• Utilized the Legible.es program to assess readability.
• Evaluated metrics including Flesh index, Fernández-Huerta version, INFLESZ scale, syllable/word/sentence/paragraph counts, and estimated reading time and education level.

Main Results:

• 60% of analyzed IC documents exhibited poor readability.
• Average document metrics: 3,290 syllables, 1,459 words, 124 sentences, 58 paragraphs, 52 unfamiliar words.
• Estimated reading time: 7 minutes; minimum education required: 6 years.

Conclusions:

• Current IC forms for LGT in Mexico demonstrate low readability and exceed recommended word counts.
• A significant educational gap exists for patients attempting to understand these documents.
• Proposed development of an improved IC model for LGT in Mexico to ensure better patient comprehension.