The Readability of Online Patient Information About Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Vargas, Christina R.; DePry, Jennifer L.; Lee, Bernard T.; Bordeaux, Jeremy S.

doi:10.1097/dss.0000000000000866

Cited by 17 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…This is consistent with findings in other disciplines where the readability of healthcare information has been explored. [20][21][22][23] There appears to be a paucity of research on similar topics in OB/GYN, however. [17][18][19] When evaluating the first seven URLs, the average grade-level readability is more than two grade levels above what is recommended.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[17][18][19] Expecting consistency with prior readability studies, the hypothesis of this work is that the grade-level readability of online material on Pap smears is written at a grade level greater than what is recommended by the AMA. [20][21][22][23]…”

Section: Ijmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The readability of online health information has been evaluated in the past using standardized indices. [19][20][21][22][23] These metrics have been discussed in papers by the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 24,25 From these sources and further research on readability measures, four indices that each provide a grade-level readability were selected for this study.…”

Section: Readability Indicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…24,25 From these sources and further research on readability measures, four indices that each provide a grade-level readability were selected for this study. [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Considered together, these provide a reliable average readability for written materials; each measures readability in a unique way. The indices utilized are described below.…”

Section: Readability Indicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is, however, consistent with other published studies. 18,[20][21][22][23] This could be because the FOG is a unique metric for evaluating readability, which looks at the total number of words per sentence and how complex the words are. Medical terminology frequently employs the use of large, complex words as standard vernacular, which may help explain the higher value calculated by this index.…”

Section: Ijmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Pap Smear Readability on Google: An Analysis of Online Articles Regarding One of the Most Routine Medical Screening Tests

et al. 2020

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Background: The Papanicolau smear (Pap smear, Pap test) is one of the most routine of all screening tests performed in medicine. Its advent and widespread use has brought a considerable decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, this malignancy continues to convey significant morbidity and mortality. Much of this is the result of inadequate compliance with routine Pap smear screening, in which limited education is thought to play a role, particularly among ethnic minorities. Methods: A Google search using the phrase “pap smears” was performed and the first fourteen Uniform Resource Locators were analyzed using four standardized readability indices: the Flesh-Kinkaid Grade Level, the SMOG index, the Gunning Fog Index and the Automated Readability Index. An average grade level readability was then obtained and compared to the AMA recommendation that health care information be written at a 5th or 6th grade reading level. Results: The average grade level readability of the fourteen analyzed sites using four aforementioned indices were 8.86, 8.82, 11.92 and 8.35, respectfully. The total average readability after considering all four indices was 9.49, three grade levels above what the AMA has recommended. Conclusion: The readability of commonly accessed internet information regarding Pap smears is above what is recommended by the AMA. Physicians should be cognizant of this, particularly given this is a routine healthcare test that should be undergone by nearly fifty percent of the world’s population at various points throughout their lifetime.

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