Evaluation and revision of a tinnitus brochure.

摘要

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and revise a tinnitus brochure, with the goalbeing that the revised material show improvement. The evaluation phase of this study aimedto answer two research questions: a) What is the reading grade level (RGL) of a tinnitusinformation brochure that is provided to tinnitus patients at an audiology clinic? b) What isthe suitability of a tinnitus information brochure that is provided to tinnitus patients at anaudiology clinic? The revision phase of this study aimed to address the following hypotheses:a) The revised tinnitus brochure will have a readability level no greater than the sixth RGL.b) The revised tinnitus brochure will have a Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) score> 39%. c) Participants will indicate that the revised brochure does not require further revision.Method: To address the first aim, a tinnitus brochure was evaluated in terms of readabilityand suitability, using standardised measures. The brochure was further evaluated using learnerverification, whereby a group of participants who experience tinnitus were interviewed aboutthe material. To address the second aim, the brochure underwent a revision process to achieveadequate readability and suitability, while observing best practice guidelines and taking intoaccount participants’ opinions. Following revision, the same participants were interviewed asecond time about the revised material.Results: Readability and suitability results indicated that the brochure was difficult to readand was not suitable for its intended audience. Participants provided several suggestions forimprovement during the first interview session, from which the author identified eight generalthemes with 16 sub-topics. Post-revision analysis demonstrated that the revised brochureshowed improved readability and suitability. At the second interview session, participantsendorsed the revised brochure.Conclusion: It is important to provide tinnitus sufferers with information that is easilyunderstood, has clear purpose, and presents low-cost strategies. Clinicians can assess thematerials they provide to patients and engage in revision using best-practice guidelines forimproving readability and suitability. When tinnitus patients are given high-qualityinformation about tinnitus, they have a better chance at improved health outcomes.