Information and readability issues for psychiatric patients: e-learning for users

Abstract

Aims and methodThe level of reading ability required to understand written information about key mental health issues designed for service users is examined. Information was taken from four reputable internet sources and analysed for readability. The relevant literature in relation to psychiatric patients and literacy is reviewed and potential solutions are proposed.ResultsA considerable proportion of the available information has a reading age at or above 14 years. Some organisations appear better than others in providing information at a more appropriate level of reading ability.Clinical implicationsWritten information aimed at users of psychiatric services may not take into account that they are more likely to have impaired reading ability, even though they might not have an identified intellectual disability. Professionals who develop written materials can use tools in word processing software to assist with the appropriate development of these materials. Information technology could in the future provide information directed at users of psychiatric services that does not rely so heavily on written material.

Readability of CAMHS clinical letters

“…The Plain English Campaign recommend documents should have a readability of around 60, a level that should be readable by a person with normal reading skills and an IQ of roughly 100. Many sources of patient information are written at a level that far exceeds this (Gralton, Sher, & Lopez, 2010).…”

Banking the brain

“…During the course of the trial, we found that some individuals had comprehension difficulties, possibly owing to impaired brain functioning, low literacy levels, side effects of medication or a combination of these and other factors. Other studies have reported similar findings, including one that found that as many as 75% of those accessing psychiatric services from community settings, such as walk‐in clinics, had a reading age below that of a 13‐year‐old [18,19]. To address this, our information sheets were written in simple language, used the active form and short sentences as much as possible, and included descriptive headings; all measures that have been found to be beneficial in the past [20].…”

Readability of statutory letters issued by Forensic Services in NHS Scotland

“…To ensure that communication is adequate between the health services and patients, it is crucial to issue statutory letters with a readability level that matches the patients' literacy level. Other studies have investigated the readability of mental-health information [19][20][21] and appointment or clinical letters for patients. 22,23 However, there are no studies focusing on statutory letters for patients who require detention in hospitals across Scotland.…”