Readability Analysis of Patient Education Material on Rotator Cuff Injuries From the Top 25 Ranking Orthopaedic Institutions

Introduction: Rotator cuff injuries (RCIs) are incredibly common in the US adult population. Forty-three percent of adults have basic or below-basic literacy levels; nonetheless, patient educational materials (PEMs) are frequently composed at levels exceeding these reading capabilities. This study investigates the readability of PEMs on RCIs published by leading US orthopaedic institutions. Methods: The top 25 orthopaedic institutions on the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Specialty Ranking were selected. Readability scores of PEMs related to RCI were calculated using the www.readabilityformulas.com website. Results: Among the 25 analyzed PEM texts, all exceeded the sixth-grade reading level. Only four of 168 scores (2.4%) were below the eighth-grade level. Discussion: This study indicates that PEMs on rotator cuff injuries from top orthopedic institutions are too complex for many Americans, with readability levels ranging from 8.5 to 16th grade, well above the CDC-recommended eighth-grade level. The research highlights a widespread issue with high reading levels across healthcare information and underscores the need for healthcare providers to adopt patient-centered communication strategies to improve comprehension and accessibility. Conclusion: PEMs on rotator cuff injuries from leading orthopedic institutions often have a reading level beyond that of many Americans, exceeding guidelines from the NIH and CDC that recommend PEMs be written at an eighth-grade reading level. To increase accessibility, enhance healthcare literacy, and improve patient outcomes, institutions should simplify these materials to meet recommended readability standards.