Evaluation of Online Patient Education Materials for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In the modern healthcare landscape, many patients turn to online platforms for information about their diagnoses and treatment options. This study assessed 14 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) websites for their understandability and actionability using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Fourteen patient-facing US AML websites were searched in Google, selected, and analyzed using the PEMAT criteria. PEMAT is an online resource used to evaluate print materials, with two sections: understandability and actionability. Websites were rated by two independent reviewers, and discrepancies were discussed. Websites were categorized by government, public/private companies, patient advocacy groups, professional societies, and cancer centers. The study analyzed 14 websites on AML education material. The mean "understandability" score was 86% (range 77%-100%); government scored the highest, and private/public companies scored the lowest. The mean "actionability" score was 63% (range 33%-100%); patient advocacy groups scored the highest, and cancer centers scored the lowest. Most of the AML websites analyzed were easy to understand but lacked material that prompted patients to take action regarding their care. These actions included writing down common questions to ask their physician and inquiring about resources (e.g., support groups, relevant clinical trials, and financial support). This study highlights an opportunity to enhance online patient education material by improving understandability through content summaries and visual aids and improving actionability by adding tools (e.g., planners, checklists) to help patients take control of their disease management, including comprehending treatment options, understanding disease etiology, and managing financial assistance.