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The readability of parent information leaflets in paediatric studies.
Elizabeth Nash1,2, Matthew Bickerstaff2, Andrew J Chetwynd1
1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.
Pediatric Research
|April 29, 2023
Summary
Parent information leaflets (PILs) are written above the recommended reading age, hindering health literacy. Researchers must use readability tools to ensure PILs are accessible for better health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Health Literacy
- Medical Communication
- Patient Education
Background:
- Poor literacy presents a significant barrier to achieving optimal health outcomes.
- Effective health communication is crucial for patient understanding and engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the readability of parent information leaflets (PILs) used in paediatric care.
- To determine if current PILs meet national reading age standards.
Main Methods:
- A single-centre study analyzed 109 paediatric PILs.
- Five standardized readability tests were applied: Gunning Fog Index (GFI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), and Automated Readability Index (ARI).
Main Results:
- The average readability score indicated a reading age of 16-17 years, significantly above recommended levels.
- 81% of PILs were classified as difficult to read (score >10).
- Commercial PILs were found to be the least accessible.
Conclusions:
- Existing parent information leaflets are written at a reading level significantly higher than the national average.
- Researchers and healthcare providers should utilize readability assessment tools to improve the accessibility of patient information.
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