Enhance Patient Understanding Research Articles

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dietary management among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in China

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding dietary management among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted at JiuJiang NO.1 People’s Hospital from November 2023 to May 2024. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires that solicited demographic information and measured KAP scores related to dietary management in RA patients.ResultsThe survey yielded 504 valid questionnaires. Of the respondents, 306 (60.71%) had a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the optimal range of 18.5–23.9 kg/m2. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 10.13 ± 3.58 (possible range: 0–22), 31.38 ± 2.38 (possible range: 9–45), and 4.46 ± 2.30 (possible range: 0–12), respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between knowledge and practice (r = 0.294, p < 0.001) as well as between attitude and practice (r = 0.178, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that knowledge score (OR = 1.165, 95% CI: [1.078, 1.259], p < 0.001) was independently associated with proactive practice. The structural equation model (SEM) results showed that knowledge had direct effects on attitude (β = 0.291, p < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.188, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, attitude had a direct impact on practice (β = 0.081, p = 0.045).ConclusionThis study indicates that patients with RA generally demonstrate inadequate knowledge but hold positive attitudes toward dietary management, despite relatively inactive practices in implementing such dietary changes. Healthcare providers should prioritize educational interventions that not only enhance patient understanding but also actively support the implementation of dietary management strategies in clinical settings.

Enhancing patient understanding in obstetrics: The role of generative AI in simplifying informed consent for labor induction with oxytocin.

Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice, particularly in obstetrics where procedures like labor induction carry significant risks and require clear patient understanding. Despite legal mandates for patient materials to be accessible, many consent forms remain too complex, resulting in patient confusion and dissatisfaction. This study explores the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) to simplify informed consent for labor induction with oxytocin, ensuring content is both medically accurate and comprehensible at an 8th-grade readability level. GAI-generated consent forms streamline the process, automatically tailoring content to meet readability standards while retaining essential details such as the procedure's nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Through iterative prompts and expert refinement, the AI produces clear, patient-friendly language that bridges the gap between medical jargon and patient comprehension. Flesch Reading Ease scores show improved readability, meeting recommended levels for health literacy. GAI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare communication by enhancing patient understanding, promoting shared decision-making, and improving satisfaction with the consent process. However, human oversight remains critical to ensure that AI-generated content adheres to legal and ethical standards. This case study demonstrates that GAI can be an effective tool in creating accessible, standardized, yet personalized consent documents, contributing to better-informed patients and potentially reducing malpractice claims.

Early Mobilization Training Education for Sectio Caesarea Patients

Background: The global rise in caesarean section (C-section) rates, particularly in Asia where the incidence stands at 19.5%, underscores the need for effective post-operative care strategies. Early mobilization is critical for post-C-section recovery, as it enhances patient mobility, reduces complications, and promotes overall health. Purpose: This study aims to assess the impact of early mobilization education on post-C-section patients' knowledge. Methods: This community service initiative, conducted at the Albarokah Room of Purwokerto Islamic Hospital, targeted 30 post-C-section maternal patients. The educational intervention was delivered using audiovisual media and the caramah method. Knowledge levels were assessed using a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire, which evaluated understanding of early mobilization, its benefits, contraindications, and procedural stages. Findings: Prior to the educational intervention, participants' knowledge was predominantly categorized as poor, with 40% (12 participants) scoring in this range. Post-education assessment revealed a significant improvement, with 100% (30 participants) achieving a good knowledge level regarding early mobilization. Conclusions: The implementation of early mobilization education through audiovisual media markedly improved participants' knowledge about early mobilization post-C-section. This study demonstrates that structured educational interventions can effectively enhance patient understanding and potentially improve post-operative outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects on recovery and health

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL FACTORS ON MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY: LANGUAGE VARIATION ACROSS DIFFERENT PATIENT GROUPS

This study explores the impact of social factors on the comprehension of medical terminology across diverse patient groups. Focusing on education level, socioeconomic status, and cultural background, the research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with 300 participants. Findings reveal significant disparities in understanding; those with higher education and income levels demonstrate better comprehension compared to their lower-income counterparts. Cultural influences further complicate communication, often leading to misunderstandings. The results underscore the necessity for healthcare providers to adopt culturally competent communication strategies and use plain language to enhance patient understanding and engagement in their healthcare.

Pharmacists as educators: Enhancing patient understanding and access to specialty medications through community workshops

Pharmacists are increasingly recognized as vital educators within the healthcare system, particularly in improving patient understanding and access to specialty medications. This review explores the expanding role of pharmacists as educators, emphasizing their unique expertise in providing accurate, accessible information and their impact on patient outcomes. The paper highlights community workshops as an effective tool for delivering education, focusing on the structure, content, and accessibility of these workshops to diverse patient populations. Furthermore, it examines patients' barriers to accessing specialty medications and how pharmacists can help overcome these challenges through education, support, and coordination with other healthcare providers. The review also discusses future directions for enhancing the educator role of pharmacists, the need for supportive policies, and the potential long-term benefits of pharmacist-led education on public health and healthcare costs. Recommendations for implementing and expanding community-based education initiatives are provided, emphasizing integrating these efforts into broader healthcare strategies. Keywords: Pharmacist-led education; Specialty medications; Community workshops; Healthcare access; Patient outcomes; Public health

Artificial Intelligence-Prompted Explanations of Common Primary Care Diagnoses

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated explanations about medical topics may be clearer and more accessible than traditional evidence-based sources, enhancing patient understanding and autonomy. We evaluated different AI explanations for patients about common diagnoses to aid in patient care. Methods: We prompted ChatGPT 3.5 , Google Bard, HuggingChat, and Claude 2 separately to generate a short patient education paragraph about seven common diagnoses. We used the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) to evaluate the readability and grade level of the responses. We used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) grading rubric to evaluate the understandability and actionability of responses. Results: Claude 2 demonstrated scores of FRE (67.0), FKGL (7.4), and PEMAT, 69% for understandability, and 34% for actionability. ChatGPT scores were FRE (58.5), FKGL (9.3), PEMAT (69% and 31%, respectively). Google Bard scores were FRE (50.1), FKGL (9.9), PEMAT (52% and 23%). HuggingChat scores were FRE (48.7) and FKGL (11.6), PEMAT (57% and 29%). Conclusion: Claude 2 and ChatGPT demonstrated superior readability and understandability, but practical application and patient outcomes need further exploration. This study is limited by the rapid development of these tools with newer improved models replacing the older ones. Additionally, the accuracy and clarity of AI responses is based on that of the user-generated response. The PEMAT grading rubric is also mainly used for patient information leaflets that include visual aids and may contain subjective evaluations.

FP5.14 - Enhancing Patient Communication in Surgical Care: an Audit of Practice at a DGH

Abstract Aims This audit aimed to evaluate current communication standards at a DGH (based on inpatient feedback) and assess the alignment with NICE Guidelines for improving the experience of care in adult NHS-services. The standards assessed included: providing clear information on diagnosis, oral and written communication, and communication in the presence of family or next of kin. Methods Inpatient feedback on surgical wards was collected to assess guideline adherence, with a pre-intervention survey designed to assess opinions before implementing an intervention. Two assessment cycles were conducted, with 12 responses in Cycle 1 (1-15 Nov 2023) and 13 responses in Cycle 2 (16-30 Nov 2023). The intervention included providing clear written information on imaging results and ongoing plans, and encouraging patients to use an information sheet throughout their admission, which could also be relayed to family members. Results Pre-intervention data revealed a diverse age distribution, predominantly in the 55-64 age group. Understanding of diagnosis varied pre-intervention but showed improvements post-intervention. Post-intervention, the majority (n=9) felt the information was appropriately pitched. Thirteen respondents received accessible information, finding the universally distributed information sheet helpful. A written response highlighted its utility in explaining clinical information to families. Healthcare professionals received improved 'clarity' and 'helpfulness' ratings post intervention, indicating positive outcomes. Conclusions Effective communication is integral to exceptional patient care. This audit underscores the potential to enhance patient understanding, alleviate concerns, and improve communication in surgical settings. The intervention, a simple information sheet, proved effective and emphasised the need for accessible, clear and standardised patient communication.

Patient-centered approaches to communicating ear, nose, and throat advancements: Bridging the knowledge gap.

Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for optimal care outcomes, particularly in the field of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine. Our study aimed to explore patient-centered communication approaches in the context of ENT advancements to bridge the knowledge gap between healthcare providers and patients. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and medical record reviews for this cross-sectional observational study. A total of 120 patients and 40 ENT clinicians were included in the study, with data collected over a 1-year period. Demographic characteristics, patient understanding, satisfaction with communication, preferences for receiving information, and themes identified from qualitative interviews were analyzed. The study revealed high levels of patient understanding and satisfaction with communication from ENT providers. Verbal communication was the most preferred method for receiving information, followed by written materials and online resources. Qualitative interviews identified themes emphasizing the importance of clear communication, desire for shared decision-making, and the need for accessible information. The survey among 40 ENT practitioners reveals that 25% utilize multimedia platforms frequently, 50% occasionally, 20% rarely, and 5% never. In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the importance of patient-centered communication in enhancing patient understanding, satisfaction, and engagement in ENT healthcare speciality. By prioritizing clear communication, shared decision-making, and accessible information, healthcare providers can influence patients to play an active role in their care and improve healthcare outcomes.

Assessment of printed lung cancer surgery patient education materials in the United States

ObjectiveWell-designed patient education materials (PEMs) increase health literacy, which has been linked to better surgical patient outcomes. The quality of lung cancer surgery PEMs is unknown, however. Here we assessed printed lung cancer surgery PEMs for readability, understandability, actionability, and accessibility. MethodsVarious lung cancer programs throughout the United States were contacted for their lung cancer surgery PEMs. The readability of the received materials was calculated using 6 readability tests. Four thoracic surgeon–advanced practice practitioner dyads scored the PEMs for understandability, actionability, and accessibility using the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool and the Accessibility Assessment Tool, with the recommended minimum threshold of 70%. One-sample t tests were performed to compare each parameter against its recommended threshold. ResultsOut of 34 institutions contacted, 18 (52.9%) provided PEMs. The average reading level of the PEMs ranged from 7th grade to 11th grade, significantly exceeding the recommended 6th grade health literacy threshold (P < .01). Although mean understandability (73.7 ± 13.2%) and actionability (70.2 ± 17.8%) scores were not significantly different from the minimum threshold, and the mean accessibility score (81.8 ± 13.5%) was significantly higher than the threshold (P < .05), there was wide variation in the scores. Most PEMs scored well in organization and writing but lacked other features that can enhance patient understanding, such as visual aids and summaries. ConclusionsPEMs are written at reading levels that are too advanced for patients. Although PEMs scored well in understandability, actionability, and accessibility, analysis of individual items revealed the need for improvement, including the use of shorter sentences, more visual aids and summaries, and expansion of language translations.

Pilot Study of Large Language Models as an Age-Appropriate Explanatory Tool for Chronic Pediatric Conditions.

There exists a gap in existing patient education resources for children with chronic conditions. This pilot study assesses large language models' (LLMs) capacity to deliver developmentally appropriate explanations of chronic conditions to pediatric patients. Two commonly used LLMs generated responses that accurately, appropriately, and effectively communicate complex medical information, making them a potentially valuable tool for enhancing patient understanding and engagement in clinical settings.

Assessment of patients' knowledge and perceptions of MRI scans and safety in Saudi Arabia.

This study was conducted to assess the levels of knowledge about MRI scans and safety measures among patients in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted at nine Saudi Arabian hospitals and utilized a questionnaire comprising 22 items that evaluated patients' knowledge regarding MRI scans and safety measures, divided into four sections. The questions encompassed patients' sociodemographic data (A), knowledge about MRI (B), safety measures (C), and communication (D). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the participant demographics and responses. Out of 446 MRI patients, 60.5% correctly identified that MRI does not involve ionizing radiation, and 78% recognized MRI as a diagnostic tool. Further, 94.2% knew that metal objects are not allowed in MRI rooms. However, 80.3% incorrectly believed that pregnant patients cannot undergo MRI at any time, 57% thought the MRI scanner is turned off when not in use, and 72.6% did not recognize any MRI-compatible devices. About 62% were unaware of the need for kidney function tests with contrast agents, and 43% reported anxiety during MRI scans. Overall, 57% of the patients had limited knowledge of MRI safety, with 39.5% considering their understanding adequate. Educational attainment and employment status were significantly associated with improved MRI knowledge. Most participants sought information from healthcare professionals. This study highlights the need to educate patients about MRI procedures and safety protocols. Significant gaps remain in patients' knowledge, especially regarding safety measures. Higher levels of educational attainment and employment status were linked to greater levels of MRI knowledge, suggesting the importance of targeted educational interventions. Healthcare professionals were the patients' main information sources; nevertheless, comprehensive and accessible information is necessary. Improved communication and training for healthcare providers can enhance patient understanding and experiences during MRI scans.

Implementation of New Patient Orientation Through Welcome Book in the Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC) Patient: A Case Study

New patients frequently experience fear or anxiety due to the unfamiliarity of the hospital environment, a phenomenon particularly evident among those with LABC. The introduction of welcome book serves as a potential intervention to enhance patient knowledge and alleviate anxiety. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a welcome book in enhancing patient knowledge and reducing anxiety levels. A case study at a hospital involved a 42-year-old patient with LABC. The study examined the patient's orientation using a welcome book that covered various aspects such as orientation of persons, places, facilities, rules, and educational resources. The patient's knowledge was assessed with a knowledge evaluation sheet, and anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. The welcome book provided comprehensive information to enhance patient understanding and reduce anxiety. The patient’s pretest knowledge score was 20, which increased to 86.67 after using the welcome book, indicating a substantial improvement. Initially, the patient exhibited mild anxiety upon admission, but after four days of utilizing the welcome book, there was a significant reduction in anxiety levels. The implementation of welcome book for a new patient orientation significantly enhanced the knowledge and reduced the anxiety levels of patient with LABC. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive orientation materials, such as welcome books, in improving patient outcome and suggest hospitals to adopt similar strategies to enhance patient education adn reduce anxiety.

Enhancing patient informed consent in elective skin cancer surgeries: a comparative study of traditional and digital approaches in a German public hospital

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the integration of modern sources of patient information, such as videos, internet-based resources, and scientific abstracts, into the traditional patient informed consent process in outpatient elective surgeries. The goal is to optimize the informed consent experience, enhance patient satisfaction, and promote shared decision making (SDM) between patients and surgeons. By exploring different patient informed consent formats and their impact on patient satisfaction, this research seeks to improve healthcare practices and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. The findings of this study will contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the informed consent process in public hospitals and advance patient-centred care.MethodsData collection occurred at the day care clinic of a prominent German public hospital, forming an integral component of a prospective clinical investigation. The study exclusively focused on individuals who had undergone surgical intervention for skin cancer. For the purpose of meticulous data examination, the statistical software SPSS version 21 was harnessed. In the course of this study, a chi-square test was aptly employed. Its purpose was to scrutinize the nuances in patient experiences pertaining to informed consent across four distinct categories, viz., oral informed consent discussion (Oral ICD), written informed consent discussion (Written ICD), video-assisted informed consent discussion (video-assisted ICD), and digitally assisted informed consent discussion (digital-assisted ICD). The primary dataset of this inquiry was diligently gathered via a structured questionnaire administered to a targeted cohort of 160 patients. Within this sample, a balanced representation of genders was observed, encompassing 82 males and 78 females. Their collective age span ranged from 18 to 92 years, with an average age of 71 years. A randomized selection methodology was employed to include participants in this study during the period spanning from July 2017 to August 2018.ResultsSignificant differences were observed across the groups for all research questions, highlighting variations in patient responses. Video-assisted and digital-assisted IC were rated as superior in patient satisfaction with information compared to written and oral IC. Demographic profiles of the four study groups were found to be comparable.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that the incorporation of digital technologies in the informed consent process can enhance patient understanding during outpatient elective skin cancer surgeries. These results have important implications for increasing patient satisfaction and improving the SDM process within the hospital environment.

The influence of module-based coronary heart disease risk factor education on the level of patient knowledge at Hospital of PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Effective patient education regarding CHD and its risk factors is essential for prevention and management. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a module-based educational intervention on improving patient knowledge of CHD risk factors. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test control group design. A total of 34 participants were selected via quota sampling, with 17 assigned to the intervention group and 17 to the control group. Participants' knowledge levels were measured using the Heart Disease Facts Questionnaire (HDFQ) before and after receiving education on CHD risk factors through a structured booklet and Counselling Events Units (SAP). Results: Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney test revealed a significant increase in the knowledge levels of the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.001), indicating the effectiveness of the module-based education. Conclusion: Module-based education on CHD risk factors significantly improves patient knowledge. This approach can be an effective educational tool in clinical settings for enhancing patient understanding and reducing CHD risk.

Patients' Perspective On The Inclusion Of Intraoral Scanners In Routine Examination: A Clinical Perception Study.

Is to investigate how integrating intraoral scanners in routine oral diagnosis affects patient-clinician communication, patient perceptions and preferences, offering valuable insights into the patient experience and utility of intraoral scanners in clinical practice. A restorative dentistry specialist conducted intraoral examination on 300 patients, initially using conventional techniques and X-rays, followed by a 3D scanner (ITero®element, Align Technologies, San Jose, California, USA). The patient's existing oral issues and treatment plan were initially expressed verbally, and then repeated using a 3D scan. Subsequently, the patients were requested to respond to an 11-question survey, aimed at assessing both modes of examination and communication. Statistical analysis using SPSS v.22 software included employing the Wilcoxon test to compare the patients' experiences on the same topic before and after the examination with the intraoral scanners, considering significance at p<0.05. Majority (38%) of participants aged 25-35. Gender split was 52% female, 48% male. Patients statistically found it more comprehensible to visualize existing oral issues through 3D scans than through verbal explanation (p&#61;0.000). Also, patients understood oral hygiene recommendations better when explained via 3D scanning by dentists (p&#61;,000). The vast majority of the participants (94%) indicated that being examined with an intraoral scanner motivated them for treatment, while 6% remained undecided. A hundred percent of the participants stated that 3D scanners should be included in the routine oral examination. Intraoral 3D scans enhance patient understanding and communication during oral examination and participants show high preference. However, more research needed to replace conventional diagnostic methods.

Interstitial lung disease: diagnosis and management principles

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a diverse group of chronic, often progressive, parenchymal lung disorders with varying aetiologies. Advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) increasingly play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary management of ILD patients across a variety of healthcare settings, enabling timely access to specialised expertise, co-ordinating multidisciplinary care and enhancing patient understanding. An awareness of the principles of diagnosis and management are key to support patient care, as ACPs will need to consider the type of ILD, and its trajectory and prognosis, with and without treatment. Most importantly, the views and health beliefs of the patient must take centre stage, with careful assessment and counselling required prior to commencing treatment. Multimorbidity is common and may impact on both symptoms and treatment tolerance. Considering the holistic needs of the patient is essential and a focus on quality of life should remain a priority. This review examines the nature of ILDs and summarises their treatment principles, with a specific focus on symptom management.

Enhancing prostate cancer diagnosis communication: A multicenter study evaluating the impact of animated videos, CartDiag Prostate study.

TPS12148 Background: Prostate cancer is the leading cancer among men. Advances in therapeutic techniques, personalized medicine, and the integration of targeted therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes, resulting in a 5-year overall survival of 93%. However, effective patient care requires a shared decision-making framework and clear communication between healthcare professionals and patients. The initial step in patient care involves disclosing the cancer diagnosis during a dedicated consultation, laying the foundation for the patient-physician trust relationship. Nowadays, less than 50% of patients declared that they understood the information provided during the announcement consultation. The main objective of our study is to assess the effect of the announcement system, reinforced by animated videos, on patients' overall understanding of their diagnosis and treatment. Methods: To enhance the disclosure process, animated videos were developed to outline the patient care journey. This multicenter, controlled before-and-after study aimed to evaluate the impact of the usual disclosure process enhanced by animated videos on patients' understanding of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Patients were sequentially assigned to two arms: the standard arm (first 45 patients) received usual written and oral information, while the intervention arm (next 45 patients) received written and oral information supplemented by animated videos. To evaluate the effect of the enhanced disclosure process on patients' overall understanding of their diagnosis and treatment using the EORTC QLQ-INFO25 questionnaire at baseline (Day 0) and after 1 month (Day 30), compared to the standard group without enhanced disclosure. This prospective study is the first to assess the impact of supplementing the standard disclosure process with animated videos positively impacts patients' comprehension of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. The findings will support the potential value of integrating visual aids into the diagnostic disclosure consultation to enhance patient understanding and promote informed decision-making. Clinical trial information: NCT06117696 .

Using the technology acceptance model to assess clinician perceptions and experiences with a rheumatoid arthritis outcomes dashboard: qualitative study

BackgroundImproving shared decision-making using a treat-to-target approach, including the use of clinical outcome measures, is important to providing high quality care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We developed an Electronic Health Record (EHR) integrated, patient-facing sidecar dashboard application that displays RA outcomes, medications, and lab results for use during clinical visits (“RA PRO dashboard”). The purpose of this study was to assess clinician perceptions and experiences using the dashboard in a university rheumatology clinic.MethodsWe conducted focus group (FG) discussions with clinicians who had access to the dashboard as part of a randomized, stepped-wedge pragmatic trial. FGs explored clinician perceptions towards the usability, acceptability, and usefulness of the dashboard. FG data were analyzed thematically using deductive and inductive techniques; generated themes were categorized into the domains of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).Results3 FG discussions were conducted with a total of 13 clinicians. Overall, clinicians were enthusiastic about the dashboard and expressed the usefulness of visualizing RA outcome trajectories in a graphical format for motivating patients, enhancing patient understanding of their RA outcomes, and improving communication about medications. Major themes that emerged from the FG analysis as barriers to using the dashboard included inconsistent collection of RA outcomes leading to sparse data in the dashboard and concerns about explaining RA outcomes, especially to patients with fibromyalgia. Other challenges included time constraints and technical difficulties refreshing the dashboard to display real-time data. Methods for integrating the dashboard into the visit varied: some clinicians used the dashboard at the beginning of the visit as they documented RA outcomes; others used it at the end to justify changes to therapy; and a few shared it only with stable patients.ConclusionsThe study provides valuable insights into clinicians’ perceptions and experiences with the RA PRO dashboard. The dashboard showed promise in enhancing patient-clinician communication, shared decision-making, and overall acceptance among clinicians. Addressing challenges related to data collection, education, and tailoring dashboard use to specific patient populations will be crucial for maximizing its potential impact on RA care. Further research and ongoing improvements in dashboard design and implementation are warranted to ensure its successful integration into routine clinical practice.

Assessing Risk Literacy Skills: Enhancing Healthcare Management among University Students.

The purpose of this study was to explore the determinants of risk literacy among university students in the United States by utilizing the Berlin Numeracy Test. Risk literacy skills are essential for decision-making and communication of risks, but few studies consider university students. This study aims to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with individual risk literacy levels. An observational cross-sectional survey study was used with a convenience sample of 184 undergraduate and graduate university students. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences for demographics at risk for negative outcomes associated with lower risk literacy. For this group of students, the majority had below-average numeracy. These findings can guide healthcare professionals to focus on college-age individuals with low-risk literacy scores to enhance patient understanding, facilitate communication, and promote healthier behaviors.

Readability and quality assessment of online patient education materials for spinal and epidural anesthesia.

Guidelines recommend that health-related information for patients should be written at or below the sixth-grade level. We sought to evaluate the readability level and quality of online patient education materials regarding epidural and spinal anesthesia. We evaluated webpages with content written specifically regarding either spinal or epidural anesthesia, identified using 11 relevant search terms, with seven commonly used readability formulas: Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fox Index (GFI), Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), Automated Readability Index (ARI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), and New Dale-Chall (NDC). Two evaluators assessed the quality of the reading materials using the Brief DISCERN tool. We analyzed 261 webpages. The mean (standard deviation) readability scores were: FKGL = 8.8 (1.9), GFI = 11.2 (2.2), CLI = 10.3 (1.9), ARI = 8.1 (2.2), SMOG = 11.6 (1.6), FRE = 55.7 (10.8), and NDC = 5.4 (1.0). The mean grade level was higher than the recommended sixth-grade level when calculated with six of the seven readability formulas. The average Brief DISCERN score was 16.0. Readability levels of online patient education materials pertaining to epidural and spinal anesthesia are higher than recommended. When we evaluated the quality of the information using a validated tool, the materials were found to be just below the threshold of what is considered good quality. Authors of educational materials should provide not only readable but also good-quality information to enhance patient understanding.