Informed consent and the readability of the written consent form

• DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2017.0188
• Publication Date: 2017-10-19T08:51:01Z
• Authors: N Sivanadarajah; I El-Daly; G Mamarelis; MZ Sohail; P Bates
• Keywords: Health Literacy; Grading (engineering)

Introduction The aim of this study was to objectively ascertain the level readability standardised consent forms for orthopaedic procedures. Methods Standardised (both in summary and detailed formats) endorsed by British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) were retrieved from orthoconsent.com assessed readability. This involved using an online tool calculate validated Flesch reading ease score (FRES). compared with FRES National Health Service (NHS) Consent Form 1. Data analysed interpreted according grading table. Results 1 55.6, relating literacy expected A student. mean BOA (n=27) 63.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.2-66.0) while (n=32), it 68.9 CI: 67.7-70.0). All scored >60, correlating a 13-15-year-old. had higher than (p<0.001). Conclusions demonstrates that are much easier read understand NHS 1, being easiest read. Despite this, owing varying levels, significant proportion patients may struggle give informed based on written information provided them.