Readability and Comprehensibility of Tinnitus Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Application of the Evaluative Linguistic Framework for Questionnaires.
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| Title: | Readability and Comprehensibility of Tinnitus Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Application of the Evaluative Linguistic Framework for Questionnaires. |
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| Authors: | Watson, Celeste1, Atcherson, Samuel R.1 sratcherson@uams.edu, Zraick, Richard I.2 |
| Source: | Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research. Apr2026, Vol. 69 Issue 4, p1858-1865. 8p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Readability (Literary style), *Disability determination, *Emotions, Health literacy, Research funding, Questionnaires, Tinnitus, Linguistics, Surveys, Health outcome assessment |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study assessed the readability and comprehensibility of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) related to tinnitus using both readability formulas and the Evaluative Linguistic Framework for Questionnaires (ELF-Q). Method: Nine validated tinnitus PROMs were evaluated using three readability formulas: FORCAST, Gunning FOG, and Flesch Reading Ease. Each PROM was also analyzed using the ELF-Q, which assesses structural and linguistic features influencing comprehension. The Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ) was reformatted using ELF-Q principles to demonstrate improvements in usability. Results: Most PROMs exceeded recommended reading levels, with readability scores indicating high school-level demands. ELF-Q analysis revealed that all PROMs required modifications; three needed only minor changes, while four required major revisions. The reformatted Mini-TQ was the only version rated fully acceptable on ELF-Q criteria. Conclusions: Readability and structural clarity are often overlooked in PROM development. The ELF-Q offers a practical tool for identifying and addressing issues that affect patient comprehension and response burden. Incorporating both readability formulas and ELF-Q during development or clinical selection of PROMs may enhance accessibility and reliability of patient-reported data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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