Can the written information to research subjects be improved?--an empirical study.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 1999;
25:263-7. [PMID:
10390684 PMCID:
PMC479221 DOI:
10.1136/jme.25.3.263]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To study whether linguistic analysis and changes in information leaflets can improve readability and understanding.
DESIGN
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.
SETTING
Denmark.
PARTICIPANTS
235 persons in the relevant age groups.
MAIN MEASURES
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.
CONCLUSION
The results show that both readability and understanding can be improved by increased attention to the linguistic features of the information.
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