Can the written information to research subjects be improved? - an empirical study

Objectives-To study whether linguistic analysis and changes in information leaflets can improve readability and understanding. Design-Randomised, controlled study. Two information leaflets concerned wit h trials of drugs for conditions/diseases which are commonly known were mod ified, and the original was tested against the revised version. Setting-Denmark. Participants-235 persons in the relevant age groups. Main measures-Readability and understanding of contents. Results-Both readability, and understanding of contents was improved: reada bility with regard to both information leaflets and understanding with rega rd to one of the leaflets. Conclusion-The results show that both readability and understanding cart be improved by increased attention to the linguistic features of the informat ion.