Can the written information to research subjects be improved?--an empirical study.
OBJECTIVE
To study whether linguistic analysis and changes in information leaflets can improve readability and understanding.


METHODS
Randomised, controlled study. Two information leaflets concerned with trials of drugs for conditions/diseases which are commonly known were modified, and the original was tested against the revised version.


METHODS
Denmark.


METHODS
235 persons in the relevant age groups.


METHODS
Readability and understanding of contents.


RESULTS
Both readability and understanding of contents was improved: readability with regard to both information leaflets and understanding with regard to one of the leaflets.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that both readability and understanding can be improved by increased attention to the linguistic features of the information.
Bjørn
E
E
Department of Medical Philosophy and Clinical Theory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rossel
P
P
Holm
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D032882:Comprehension; D032962:Consent Forms; D003718:Denmark; D030881:Disclosure; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006805:Human Experimentation; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007258:Informed Consent; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011932:Reading; D035842:Research Subjects