Readability of Online Patient Educational Materials Provided by Major Gynecological Societies [16OP]

INTRODUCTION: Major medical societies remain a reliable and accessible resource for online patient educational materials. While it is advised that patient educational materials remain at or below sixth grade reading level, the readability of most online educational content provided by such societies often exceeds this recommendation. Gynecological societies play an important role in providing online health information to women. However, a comprehensive review of non-obstetric patient education materials has not yet been undertaken. The purpose of this study is to determine whether patient educational materials provided by major American gynecological societies adhere to current patient readability recommendations. METHODS: Three hundred and five non-obstetric articles from the online patient education sections of six gynecological societies were reviewed. Patient readability was analyzed using the Flesch-Kincaid reading scale and a corresponding grade level was assigned. RESULTS: The average grade level of reviewed patient educational material was 11.3 ±3.0. When analyzed by category, patient material about Contraception had the lowest mean grade level (7.9±4.0), while material on Surgical Treatment had the highest mean grade level (13.5±4.0). Only one of the gynecological societies presented any material that was at or below the recommended sixth grade reading level. CONCLUSION: Online patient educational material provided by major gynecological societies rarely adhere to currently readability guidelines. This may prove a significant barrier to patients achieving health literacy. While major gynecological societies excel at providing current, evidence-based material to a wider population, efforts must be placed on ensuring that the average patient can understand the message conveyed.