Determination of the Readability Level of Consent Forms Used in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at Suleyman Demirel University

Determination of the Readability Level of Consent Forms Used in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at Suleyman Demirel University
Cem Dağdelen, Evrim Erdemoğlu
Cureus, 5 April 2023; 15(4)
Open Access
Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the readability level of consent forms used for interventional procedures in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic and to determine the readability of the texts according to the education level of the patient.
Methodology
This study determined the readability of patient consent forms used before interventional procedures in the gynecology and obstetrics clinic at the Suleyman Demirel University Hospital, Isparta. The consent forms were divided into two main groups according to their use in obstetrics and gynecology procedures. The readability level of consent forms was assessed using two readability formulas developed by Ateşman and Bezirci-Yılmaz, which determine the readability level of Turkish texts in the literature.
Results
When the consent forms were analyzed according to Atesman’s readability formula, they were found to be readable with more than 15 years of education at the undergraduate level, while according to Bezirci-Yılmaz’s readability formula, they were found to be readable with 17 years of education at the postgraduate level.
Conclusions
Easy-to-read consent forms will ensure that patients are more informed about interventional procedures and participate more effectively in the treatment process. There is a need to develop readable consent forms suitable for the general education level.

Editor’s note: Suleyman Demirel University is located in the Karasay region of Kazakhstan.