Evaluating Understandability and Actionability of Online Education Materials for COVID-19 Patients in Japan

Researchers in Japan conducted a study to assess the quality of educational materials provided for patients with COVID-19, focusing on understandability, actionability, natural flow, and readability. The study analyzed 87 materials published by local governments and found that while 62.1% were understandable, only 37.9% were actionable. The materials lacked clear definitions of medical terms, explicit steps for action, and visual aids to help patients take action.

Key Takeaways:

• The study evaluated 87 educational materials for patients with COVID-19 published by local governments in Japan.
• 62.1% of the materials were deemed understandable, while 37.9% were considered actionable.
• Materials failed to provide clear definitions of medical terms, explicit steps for action, and visual aids to support patient action.
• The Global Quality Score (GQS) indicated a moderate level of naturalness and comprehensiveness, with a mean score of 3.44 (0.98).
• The jReadability score for readability was 2.4 (0.6), indicating a "lower advanced" level.
• 55 materials were understandable, while 33 materials were actionable.
• Materials frequently lacked summaries and used medical terms without providing definitions.
• Visual aids were underutilized, and explicit steps for action were not demonstrated in the materials.

Statistics:

• 87 educational materials for patients with COVID-19 were analyzed in the study.
• 62.1% of materials were deemed understandable.
• 37.9% of materials were considered actionable.
• Mean GQS score: 3.44 (0.98).
• Mean jReadability score: 2.4 (0.6).

Sources:

• Evaluating understandability and actionability of online education materials for home-care patients with COVID-19 in Japan. BMC Research Notes, 2023;16(1):291. (BioMed Central - www.biomedcentral.com/; BMC Research Notes - www.biomedcentral.com/bmcresnotes/)