Multimetric Analysis of Online Health Resources for Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Patients

Oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) has gained attention for improving breast cancer patients' satisfaction and quality of life. This study aims to address the readability of online English and Spanish language patient education materials (PEMs) in oncoplastic breast surgery.

A de-identified online search using the terms "oncoplastic breast surgery" or "cirugía oncoplástica de seno" was performed. English and Spanish websites were selected and categorized by academic or private centers. Readability scores were generated using established tests: Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Fry Graph, Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) for Understandability and Actionability, and Cultural Sensitivity and Assessment Tool (CSAT). Fisher's exact tests assessed group differences.

The most common location of origin of online resources was the United States (53%), followed by Europe (23%). The specialties performing OBS included breast surgery (48%), plastic surgery (44%), and obstetric and gynecological surgery (8%). All PEMs failed to meet the recommended readability levels. The average Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook and Spanish Orthographic Length reading level corresponded to that of a university freshman for both academic and private materials, with English websites being more difficult to read than Spanish resources. The average understandability score was slightly higher for academic centers compared to private institutions (63% versus. 61%; P = 0.661). The average actionability score was significantly higher for English websites compared to their Spanish counterparts (35% versus 21%; P < 0.001).

Patient information found through an online search for OBS is too difficult for the average American adult to read. As patient interest in OBS grows, access to appropriately written educational material is crucial to support informed decision-making, enhance patient satisfaction, reduce decisional regret, and ultimately promote equity in health care.