Readability of Commonly Used Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Laryngology

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Health Literacy
• Health Equity

Background:

• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assess patient symptoms and treatment effectiveness.
• Advocacy and provider awareness have improved PROM readability, with scores generally above sixth-grade level in other otolaryngology subspecialties.
• Limited data exists on the readability of PROMs specifically used in laryngology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the readability levels of PROMs commonly used in laryngology.
• To analyze these PROMs using established readability indices.
• To explore the relationship between PROM readability and equitable healthcare.

Main Methods:

• A bibliometric study analyzing 37 laryngology PROMs selected from literature searches.
• PROMs covered voice, dysphagia, airway, and gender-affirming voice care.
• Readability was assessed using Gunning Fog, SMOG, FORCAST, and Flesch Reading Ease Score.

Main Results:

• All analyzed laryngology PROMs exhibited readability scores above the recommended sixth-grade level.
• Mean readability scores: Gunning Fog 7.30, SMOG 8.70, FORCAST 10.05, Flesch Reading Ease 8.08.
• These scores indicate a reading level generally equivalent to middle school or higher.

Conclusions:

• Laryngology PROMs currently exceed the recommended middle school reading level.
• Consideration of readability is essential for developing future PROMs to enhance health equity.
• Improving PROM accessibility can lead to better patient engagement and outcomes.