Article type
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Abstract
Background: Plain language is described as “Writing that is clear and to the point and that helps improve communication and takes less time to read and understand” (NIH 2016). It tells the reader what s/he needs to know in a structured form without using unnecessary words or expressions. The PLEACS Group (Plain Language Expectations for Authors of Cochrane Summaries) recommends using an online readability calculator for improved communication of review findings to the public.
Objectives: To assess the readability of Cochrane Plain language summaries (PLS) using the readability calculator suggested by PLEACS.
Methods: A sample of PLSs from Cochrane Reviews, published between October 2015 and March 2016, were retrieved. The Text Readability Consensus Calculator was used for the analysis. The calculator takes a sample from the text and calculates the number of sentences, words, syllables, and characters. It then calculates a consensus readability score based on results from seven tests. The score, gives the reading and grade level of the text, and indicates whether it is readable by the public. The Word proof-reading tool was also used for the analyses.
Results: The PLS from 143 Cochrane reviews (50 review groups) were analysed. Average readability score was 14 (SD.1, 98), while the public reading level is 7 to 8. The mean number of words per sentence was 21.7 (SD.4.0), which can be compared to a recommended sentence length of 13 to 16 words. Passive voice was used in 20.2% of sentences (range 0 to 50%), while Word recommends 15%. Hard words (words with more than three syllables) constituted 21.7% of the text, which is more than the recommended 12% to 14% for public reading.
Conclusions: Cochrane PLSs are not plain, but may instead be perceived as difficult to read. Cochrane authors most likely do not use readability calculators, but may benefit from doing so.
Objectives: To assess the readability of Cochrane Plain language summaries (PLS) using the readability calculator suggested by PLEACS.
Methods: A sample of PLSs from Cochrane Reviews, published between October 2015 and March 2016, were retrieved. The Text Readability Consensus Calculator was used for the analysis. The calculator takes a sample from the text and calculates the number of sentences, words, syllables, and characters. It then calculates a consensus readability score based on results from seven tests. The score, gives the reading and grade level of the text, and indicates whether it is readable by the public. The Word proof-reading tool was also used for the analyses.
Results: The PLS from 143 Cochrane reviews (50 review groups) were analysed. Average readability score was 14 (SD.1, 98), while the public reading level is 7 to 8. The mean number of words per sentence was 21.7 (SD.4.0), which can be compared to a recommended sentence length of 13 to 16 words. Passive voice was used in 20.2% of sentences (range 0 to 50%), while Word recommends 15%. Hard words (words with more than three syllables) constituted 21.7% of the text, which is more than the recommended 12% to 14% for public reading.
Conclusions: Cochrane PLSs are not plain, but may instead be perceived as difficult to read. Cochrane authors most likely do not use readability calculators, but may benefit from doing so.