How readable are orthodontic patient information leaflets?
OBJECTIVE
To assess the readability of published orthodontic patient information leaflets (PILs) and their eligibility for the Plain English Campaign's Crystal Mark.


METHODS
A retrospective, observational study.


METHODS
PILs available from professional organizations and commercial companies.


METHODS
Twenty-six orthodontic PILs were assessed. The entire text of each leaflet was reproduced in Microsoft Word, 2000. Readability statistics were obtained via the 'Tools' menu. The design elements of each leaflet were assessed. The leaflets were sent to the Plain English Campaign for assessment of their eligibility for the Crystal Mark.


METHODS
Leaflet and sentence length, passive percentage, Flesch Reading Ease score, Flesch Kincaid Grade Level, design percentage and eligibility for the Plain English Campaign's Crystal Mark.


RESULTS
Overall, nearly half of the leaflets (42.3%) were rated as 'fairly difficult' or 'difficult' to read. However, the BOS PILs were significantly better than the AAO leaflets in all but one outcome with the BOS leaflets being rated as 'standard' or 'fairly easy' to read, meaning that 70-80% of the UK population would be able to understand them. None of the PILs were eligible for the Plain English Campaign's Crystal Mark.


CONCLUSIONS
The orthodontic PILs assessed were difficult to read and none were eligible for the Plain English Campaign's Crystal Mark. However, the BOS leaflets were much easier to read and better designed than those produced by the AAO making them a useful tool to improve patients' understanding of different treatment options and allowing them to be used in the informed consent process.
Liverpool University Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5PS, UK.
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A
Harwood
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JE
Harrison
D032882:Comprehension; D006801:Humans; D009970:Orthodontics; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011932:Reading; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012953:Societies, Dental; D013664:Teaching Materials; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States