Assessing the understandability and actionability of online resources for patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

IntroductionThis study quantitatively evaluated the understandability and actionability of webpages for patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).MethodsIn June 2022, we searched on Google and Yahoo Japan using the top five keywords associated with end‐stage kidney disease and HD to identify relevant materials. Subsequently, we used the Japanese version of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool to assess the understandability and actionability of these materials, rating them on a scale from 0% to 100%. The threshold was set at 70%.ResultsAmong the included 194 materials, the overall understandability was 66.7%, and the actionability was 33.3%. Only 38.7% and 16.5% of the materials were deemed understandable and actionable, respectively. Challenges included the need for plain language and concise summaries to improve understandability, along with the use of effective visual aids for actionability.ConclusionThis study suggests that existing webpages on HD are not presented in a manner that patients can utilize.