Evaluation of existing patient educational materials and development of a brochure for women with dense breasts

Abstract

Objectives: In this pilot study, we developed and assessed acceptability of a brochure for women with dense breasts. Material and methods: We measured Flesch-Kincaid Readability of 22 existing breast density educational materials. We then developed a brochure and tested it in two populations of women: 44 safety net hospital patients and 13 Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium stakeholders. Results: Average grade score of existing materials was 10.0 (range: 5.5e12.7). Our brochure had a grade score of 5.9, and patients reported it was easy to understand. Conclusion: Our plain language brochure could improve patient understanding following mandatory dense breast notification.

Using Mixed Methods With Multiple Stakeholders to Inform Development of a Breast Cancer Screening Decision Aid for Women With Limited Health Literacy

“…Finally, community-engaged research demonstrates how patient involvement can develop more efficacious measurement tools and user-friendly education materials for patients with lower socioeconomic status and LHL engaged in breast cancer care decision making. 36 , 37 The National Cancer Institute’s commitment to using community-engaged research to reduce cancer disparities offers a promising foundation and resource infrastructure for future health literacy-focused efforts. 38 …”

Australian Women’s Intentions and Psychological Outcomes Related to Breast Density Notification and Information

“… 15 The readability, accessibility, and acceptability of existing breast density educational and informational materials were also scrutinized, often highlighting the need for lower health literacy (HL)–sensitive material development. 16 , 17 , 18 In other countries, there has been increased discussion and consumer advocacy around density notification; however, no legislation or mandated reporting is enforced.…”

“…The option of supplemental screening has been controversial, with a lack of evidence in terms of long-term health benefits as well as unintended adverse consequences, such as widening health inequality, including reduced access of women of other racial and ethnic populations to supplemental screening . The readability, accessibility, and acceptability of existing breast density educational and informational materials were also scrutinized, often highlighting the need for lower health literacy (HL)–sensitive material development . In other countries, there has been increased discussion and consumer advocacy around density notification; however, no legislation or mandated reporting is enforced.…”

Psychosocial outcomes and health service use after notifying women participating in population breast screening when they have dense breasts: a BreastScreen Queensland randomised controlled trial

“…15 The readability, accessibility, and acceptability of breast density education and information resources have also been scrutinised, often finding that material for women with a lower level of health literacy is needed. 13,[16][17][18] In Australia, women aged 50-74 years without symptoms of breast cancer are invited to participate in free screening mammography every two years; women aged 40-49 or 75 years or older are also eligible for free screening. 19 However, except in Western Australia and (more recently) South Australia, breast density is not assessed or notified in population-based breast screening programs.…”

“…Although these modalities can detect some cancers not detected in dense breasts by mammography, evidence for long term health benefits or adverse consequences, such as health inequality, has not been reported 15 . The readability, accessibility, and acceptability of breast density education and information resources have also been scrutinised, often finding that material for women with a lower level of health literacy is needed 13,16‐18 …”