Preparation and readability assessment of patient information leaflets for diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Context: Patient counseling is the mainstay for prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcer. Hence, patient information leaflet (PIL) can act as an educational material for imparting patient education regarding diabetic foot care for better patient outcome.

Aim: The objective of this study was to develop and to assess the readability of PIL for diabetic foot ulcer.

Materials and Methods: Various online resources such as Patient UK and Micromedex data base were used to prepare PILs on diabetic foot ulcer. Physicians were validated the content of the leaflet. Leaflet was designed and modified according to the physician's suggestions. PILs-readability was checked online by using the website www.readability-score.com and calculated Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FK-GL). Layout and design features of the PILs were assessed by using Baker Able Leaflets Design (BALD) method.

Results: Readability of the leaflet was assessed by using the FRE and FK-GL scores. After initial assessment leaflets were modified to achieve ideal readability scores. The best FRE score achieved was 69.9 and FK-GL score achieved was 7.1. The BALD score was 27.

Conclusions: PILs prepared had ideal readability score and layout design. The leaflet's estimated FRE and FK-GL scores rate showed that it was fairly easy readable.

Diabetic foot ulcer - patient education - patient information leaflets

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