Patient education materials assessment tool for laryngectomy health information

Background: The decision to undergo laryngectomy carries medical, social, and emotional consequences. This study evaluates the understandability and actionability of current laryngectomy information. Methods: Laryngectomy-related educational materials from an online search were evaluated using the validated Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Reading difficulty was calculated using the Flesch-Kincaid Level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning-Fog Index (GFI), Coleman-Liau Index, Automated Readability Index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) score. Interrater agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship among readability, understandability, and actionability. Results: Forty-four articles were included. Interrater agreement was substantial (kappa = 0.71). Mean understandability was 68.3% +/- 17% and mean actionability was 66.3% +/- 24%. Average reading difficulty exceeded the ability of an average American adult. There was a negative correlation between readability and understandability (R = -0.49; P < .05). Conclusion: Most laryngectomy information is too difficult for the average person to read, understand, or act upon. Revisions may be warranted to benefit a larger readership.