(A105) An Analysis on the Readability of Online Resources for Forehead Flap Nasal Reconstruction

Introduction: Forehead flap nasal reconstruction offers a versatile technique to repair both the external and internal aspect of the nose when the extent of the defect cannot be sufficiently repaired with more simple techniques. Given the growing accessibility and widespread use of the internet as a source of health information, patients are increasingly relying on online, self-driven research to inform their medical decision-making. Thus, evaluating the readability of online patient educational materials (PEM) on forehead flap nasal reconstruction may help assess the accessibility of patient centered education for patients receiving treatment for nasal defects.

Methods: We used Google Search to query the terms “forehead flap nasal reconstruction” and other related searches. The first 10 non-duplicate websites, including all first-page results, were analyzed. Non-English and paywalled articles were excluded. Readability was assessed using six standardized metrics: Automated Readability Index (ARI), Coleman Liau Index (CLI), Gunning Fog Score, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score.

Results: Of the 10 reviewed websites, the mean FRE score was 47.88 (age 18+). The average grade level determined by each readability metric was as follows: ARI, 11.41 (age 16-17); Coleman-Liau Index, 13.29 (age 18+); Gunning Fog Score, 13.79 (age 18+); SMOG, 10.41 (age 16-17); Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, 11.34 (age 17-18).

Conclusions: Current online educational resources of forehead flap nasal reconstruction are likely to be written above the ideal 6th grade readability level, as described by AMA-recommended thresholds.