When giving patients written information, what is the suggested reading level for that health information? A 10th grade
B 7th grade
C 1st grade
D 5th grade
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B) 7th grade
Explanation (300 words):
When providing written health information to patients, it is recommended that the material be written at or below a 7th-grade reading level, with many experts suggesting a 5th to 6th-grade level for maximum accessibility. However, 7th grade is widely recognized as the standard for general health communication.
Health literacy is a major concern in public health. Studies show that a significant portion of the adult population reads at or below an 8th-grade level. Complicated medical jargon, long sentences, and technical vocabulary can create barriers to understanding, especially for individuals with limited literacy or English language skills.
The goal of patient education materials is to ensure that the information is clear, understandable, and actionable. If patients cannot understand what they are reading, they may struggle to follow treatment plans, take medications properly, or make informed health decisions. This can lead to poorer health outcomes, increased hospital readmissions, and higher healthcare costs.
To address this, organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend writing health information in plain language. This involves using:
- Short, simple sentences
- Common words instead of medical terminology (e.g., “high blood pressure” instead of “hypertension”)
- Bullet points and visual aids to enhance understanding
In summary, B) 7th grade is the correct answer because it balances comprehensibility with the ability to include essential information. However, whenever possible, aiming even lower (like 5th grade) is ideal, especially for populations with known literacy challenges.
By simplifying language, healthcare providers empower patients to better understand their conditions, take appropriate action, and actively participate in their care.