Evaluating the understandability and actionability of online CKD educational materials

Area of Science:

• Health literacy
• Patient education
• Digital health communication

Background:

• Online chronic kidney disease (CKD) educational materials for Japanese patients require assessment for understandability and impact on behavior.
• Previous research has not definitively established the effectiveness of these online resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively evaluate the understandability and actionability of online CKD educational materials available to Japanese patients.
• To identify areas for improvement in digital health communication for CKD patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of Google and Yahoo Japan was conducted using relevant keywords in September 2021.
• The Japanese version of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) was used to score 186 identified webpages.
• A threshold of 70% was set for adequate understandability and actionability.

Main Results:

• Overall understandability was 61.5% and actionability was 38.7%, falling below the 70% target.
• Materials frequently used technical jargon and lacked effective visual aids, hindering patient comprehension and engagement.
• Content on CKD overview, symptoms, examination, and treatment scored lower than other topics. Materials from for-profit companies outperformed those from medical institutions and academic organizations.

Conclusions:

• Medical institutions and academic organizations should adopt plain language and provide explanations for technical terms.
• Enhancing visual aids is crucial for promoting healthy behaviors among patients with chronic kidney disease.
• Improving the clarity and actionability of online CKD resources is essential for effective patient education.