Readability analysis of pediatric otolaryngology patient-reported outcome measures

Readability of Commonly Used Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures in Laryngology

“…Previous literature describes the readability of PROMs in otolaryngology, specifically rhinology/skullbase surgery, head and neck oncology, and pediatric otolaryngology. [5][6][7] Similar to laryngology PROMs, eight out of eight chronic rhinosinusitis PROMs and two out of three skull-base PROMs were shown to be above the recommended sixth-grade reading level. 5 All eight head and neck PROMs analyzed by Gunning Fog, SMOG, and FORCAST were found to be above the recommended reading level as well.…”

“…Each PROM was analyzed via four readability formulas from the readable software: Gunning Fog, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), FORCAST, and Flesch Reading Ease Score. These indices were included as they are commonly used throughout the United States to analyze text and have been previously used to assess readability of otolaryngology PROMs and patient education materials 5–7,12 …”

“…The SMOG score is computed with the equation 5–7 : …”

“…4 Health literacy and socioeconomic status may disproportionately affect specific populations also considered as vulnerable populations. 6 In the past decade, advocacy efforts and increased provider awareness regarding health literacy has helped to improve the readability of PROMs. 4 Still, recent studies in otolaryngology in rhinology, pediatric otolaryngology, and head and neck oncology have reported PROM readability scores above the sixth-grade level.…”

“…In turn, this may affect how providers perceive patients' outcome after treatment and may alter future interventions 4 . Health literacy and socioeconomic status may disproportionately affect specific populations also considered as vulnerable populations 6 …”