Abstract 9521: Non-English Language Resources and Readability of Heart Transplant Center Websites in the United States

Abstract

Introduction: Health literacy is a key component of advanced heart failure (HF) therapy access and outcomes. Health literacy is associated with HF care and outcomes. Over 39% of patients with HF have low literacy. Online resources offer important educational materials for patients seeking access to heart transplantation but tend to be complex and potentially ineffective for non-English speakers and those with low reading levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the readability of United States (US) heart transplant center websites and the availability of non-English resources. Methods: Review of US heart transplant center websites identified through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in April 2022. Websites were assessed for non-English language text and translator tools. Written English text was extracted and assessed for readability using the Fry Readability score. Standard chi-square analysis was used to compare readability levels across transplant regions. Results: Of the 141 transplant center websites, 68.8% (97/141) did not have non-English resources. Regions 9 (42.9% (3/7)) and 10 (46.2% (6/13)) had the highest percentage of non-English resources and region 6 had the lowest (0% (0/5)). The median Fry readability level to understand a piece of text for all regions was 15, which is equivalent to a college junior reading level (range: 8-17, 8th grade to postgraduate level), Figure. There was no statistical difference in the median readability levels between regions (p=0.14). Conclusions: Heart transplant center online resources are inadequate and the majority do not provide translations beyond the English language. Additional work is needed to standardize heart transplant patient information for a diverse U.S. patient population.