How readability of patient materials affects

Abstract In today's health care system, patient education materials are reaching a new prominence. Nurses and health educators have a significant role in selecting effective patient education materials and actually educating patients. Well-written and easy-to-understand information is essential in increasing patient knowledge, compliance, and satisfaction and in achieving health cost savings from judicious use of health services. Vascular nurses must be aware of the research regarding outcomes from the use of patient education materials. Effective use of printed materials depends on adequate evaluation. This article reviews outcomes research and provides guidelines for vascular nurses to use for evaluation. (J Vasc Nurs 2000;18:97-101)