Using Sorting Data to Evaluate Text Structure: An Evidence-based Proposal for Restructuring Patient Information Leaflets

Author： Maat Henk Pander Lentz Leo

Publisher： Society for Technical Communication

ISSN： 0049-3155

Source： Technical Communication, Vol.58, Iss.3, 2011-08, pp. : 197-216

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Abstract

Purpose: This paper assesses the text structure imposed on patient information leaflets in the European Union (EU). It proposes an alternative structure based on reader-oriented research.Method: Two card-sorting studies were used to identify reader expectations. In a closed card-sorting study, participants were provided with scenario questions on medication use and were asked under which of the template headings they expected to find information on each question. In an open sorting task, the schemata of patient information leaflet readers were explored. In this study, participants sorted a large set of sentences that can be found in actual patient information leaflets.Results: The closed card-sorting study reveals that users provided with the EU template structure do not always look at the correct section when searching information about patient situations. The results of the open card-sorting study indicate that readers prefer the following structure: goal of the medicine – directions for use – potential problems – packaging and storage.Conclusion: Card-sorting data help to evaluate and design text structures for genres such as patient information leaflets. The European template does not match users' expectations concerning the leaflet's structure. There is a mismatch between the wording of headings and reader interpretations. A second mismatch has to do with classifying and grouping information. Patient information presented in the alternative format may be expected to improve reading performance.