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Evaluating Bright Futures Pediatric Handouts: Readability, Understandability, Actionability, and Clinical
Yusuke Matsuura1,2, Emily Myers1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Clinical Pediatrics
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Bright Futures handouts are readable and understandable for pediatric patients and parents. However, improving the actionability of these materials can enhance their effectiveness in promoting child health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Health Communication
- Patient Education
Background:
- Bright Futures Parent and Patient Handouts are frequently used in pediatric well-child visits.
- Systematic evaluation of these widely-used materials has been limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the readability, understandability, and actionability of the fourth-edition Bright Futures handouts.
- To identify areas for improvement in patient education materials.
Main Methods:
- Readability was assessed using standard formulas.
- Understandability and actionability were evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT-P).
Main Results:
- Patient Handouts averaged a 4th to 7th-grade reading level.
- Parent Handouts ranged from approximately 5th to nearly 7th-grade reading levels.
- PEMAT-P scores indicated high understandability (92.3%) but lower actionability (60%).
Conclusions:
- Bright Futures Handouts are generally readable and understandable, supporting their use in pediatric settings.
- Opportunities exist to enhance the actionability of these materials.
- Strategies like plain language, visual aids, and checklists can improve patient education materials and health outcomes.
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