Readability and Comprehension in Radiology Reports and Patient Education: A Comprehensive Review
Readability in radiology documentation is critical for effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Radiology reports and Patient Education Materials (PEMs) often contain complex technical language that can hinder patient understanding, leading to potential miscommunication and reduced patient satisfaction. This article explores the significance of readability in radiology, emphasizing the importance of making these documents accessible to non-specialist audiences. The objective of this article is to review the current challenges in radiology documentation readability and explore strategies for improvement. Recent studies have identified significant issues with the complexity of radiology reports and PEMs, noting that many exceed the recommended reading levels for the general population[Carmody et al., 2019]. Additionally, the transition from narrative to structured reporting has had mixed effects on readability, highlighting the need for further research and innovation [Friedman et al., 2006].
