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Peer Review

Readability and Patient Education

Reviewed:
Mar 27, 2016 by Health Sciences
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.8 stars
Content Quality: 5.0 stars
Effectiveness: 5.0 stars
Ease of Use: 4.8 stars
Overview:
This learning object defines and describes strategies to create patient education materials that can be read at or below the 8th grade level. Examples of well-written patient education materials are provided for examination and instruction. Instructions for improving readability and clarity are provided. It is possible to skip ahead in the tutorial. Tips for page layout and graphics are provided. A two-question true or false quiz assesses the learner’s understanding of the material. A printable summary of the writing tips is provided at the end of the activity.
Type of Material:
This learning material can be classified as an assessment tool, drill and practice, a learning object repository, and a tutorial.
Recommended Uses:
The learning material is flexible. For example, it can be incorporated into lecture content, as a learning module, for in class work, homework, and for continuing education.
Technical Requirements:
The user needs a computer with Internet access. Flash, Java Script and cookies must be enabled. Unzip program is needed to open and extract downloaded files. Windows XP may block downloads from the site.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The objectives stated in the learning object are that the learner will be able to:
  • Identify design principles and writing tips for creating educational materials for the public
  • Determine the reading levels of sample brochures; and
  • Evaluate educational material for readability design and writing mistakes
Target Student Population:
The target student population includes nursing students, nurses, and nurse educators.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
The prerequisite knowledge includes advanced composition skills, background knowledge for developing patient education materials, experience in evaluating education materials.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:
The learning material:
  • Is clear and concise
  • Provides a complete demonstration of the concept
  • Demonstrates a core concept grounded in the discipline
  • Is current and relevant
  • Is supported by appropriate research
  • Is self-contained (can be used without requiring an assignment or context)
  • Provides accurate information
  • Is flexible (can be used in several situations)
  • Includes an adequate amount of material
  • Summarizes the concept well
  • Integrates the concept well
Concerns:
No concerns.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:
  • Learning objectives are clearly stated at the beginning of the activity
  • Learning concepts are identified and supported as the activity progresses
  • Easy to insert into a learning management system or present in class
Concerns:
The addition of more true/false questions would improve the material.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:
  • The learning object has clear instructions
  • Can proceed through activity without having to engage in each activity
Concerns:
  • The font is too small on some pages
  • No sound is available for auditory learners or the visually impaired
Other Issues and Comments:
To access the activity, you have to set up an account. The account is free, but you have to agree to take their surveys. Once you set up your account, you then have to hunt for the activity.
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