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05-06-2023 | Bariatric Surgery | 2023 SAGES Oral

Readability of patient education materials for bariatric surgery

Authors: Adam Timothy Lucy, Stephanie L. Rakestraw, Courtney Stringer, Daniel Chu, Jayleen Grams, Richard Stahl, Margaux N. Mustian

Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 8/2023

Abstract

Introduction

Bariatric surgery is a successful treatment for obesity, but barriers to surgery exist, including low health literacy. National organizations recommend patient education materials (PEM) not exceed a sixth-grade reading level. Difficult to comprehend PEM can exacerbate barriers to bariatric surgery, especially in the Deep South where high obesity and low literacy rates exist. This study aimed to assess and compare the readability of webpages and electronic medical record (EMR) bariatric surgery PEM from one institution.

Methods

Readability of online bariatric surgery and standardized perioperative EMR PEM were analyzed and compared. Text readability was assessed by validated instruments: Flesch Reading Ease Formula (FRE), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog (GF), Coleman–Liau Index (CL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Automated Readability Index (ARI), and Linsear Write Formula (LWF). Mean readability scores were calculated with standard deviations and compared using unpaired t-tests.

Results

32 webpages and seven EMR education documents were analyzed. Webpages were overall “difficult to read” compared to “standard/average” readability EMR materials (mean FRE 50.5 ± 18.3 vs. 67.4 ± 4.2, p = 0.023). All webpages were at or above high school reading level: mean FKGL 11.8 ± 4.4, GF 14.0 ± 3.9, CL 9.5 ± 3.2, SMOG 11.0 ± 3.2, ARI 11.7 ± 5.1, and LWF 14.9 ± 6.6. Webpages with highest reading levels were nutrition information and lowest were patient testimonials. EMR materials were sixth to ninth grade reading level: FKGL 6.2 ± 0.8, GF 9.3 ± 1.4, CL 9.7 ± 0.9, SMOG 7.1 ± 0.8, ARI 6.1 ± 1.0, and LWF 5.9 ± 0.8.

Conclusion

Surgeon curated bariatric surgery webpages have advanced reading levels above recommended thresholds compared to standardized PEM from an EMR. This readability gap may unintentionally contribute to barriers to surgery and affect postoperative outcomes. Streamlined efforts are needed to create materials that are easier to read and comply with recommendations.

Graphical abstract

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Title: Readability of patient education materials for bariatric surgery
Authors: Adam Timothy Lucy
Stephanie L. Rakestraw
Courtney Stringer
Daniel Chu
Jayleen Grams
Richard Stahl
Margaux N. Mustian
Publication date: 05-06-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Obesity
Obesity
Air Pollutants
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy / Issue 8/2023
Print ISSN: 0930-2794
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-023-10153-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Readability of patient education materials for bariatric surgery

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Graphical abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Graphical abstract

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