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From readability to representation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of online patient education in breast reduction and augmentation surgery

  • 0University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : Jpras +

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October 10, 2025

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October 10, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Online patient education materials for breast surgery are too difficult to read and often lack essential information and inclusivity. Improvements are needed to ensure all patients receive clear, equitable, and comprehensive surgical education.

Area Of Science

  • Plastic Surgery
  • Health Informatics
  • Medical Education

Background

  • Online patient education materials (OPEMs) are crucial for patient decision-making in breast augmentation and reduction.
  • Existing OPEMs raise concerns regarding readability, quality, and inclusivity.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze OPEMs for breast augmentation and reduction across various platforms.
  • To evaluate readability, quality, and inclusivity of traditional, AI-generated, and social media OPEMs.

Main Methods

  • Systematic review of 23 studies on breast surgery OPEMs.
  • Analysis of readability scores (FKGL, SMOG), quality assessments (DISCERN), visual representation, and AI performance.
  • Random-effects meta-analysis of FKGL scores and binomial tests for readability thresholds.

Main Results

  • Pooled FKGL of 12.28, indicating materials exceed recommended readability.
  • 100% of studies found OPEMs written above a sixth-grade level.
  • Suboptimal content quality (risk disclosure, source attribution) and representation disparities were common.
  • AI-generated materials showed potential but lacked surgical detail.

Conclusions

  • OPEMs for breast surgery are consistently difficult to read, incomplete, and inequitable.
  • Standardization and improvement of digital patient education are essential.
  • Addressing informational and cultural needs of all surgical candidates is critical.

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