Are plain language summaries published in health journals written according to instructions and health literacy principles? A systematic environmental scan.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plain language summaries (PLSs) are easy-to-understand summaries of research articles that should follow principles of plain language and health literacy. PLS author instructions from health journals help guide authors on word count/PLS length, structure and the use of jargon. However, it is unclear whether published PLSs currently adhere to author instructions.

Objectives

This study aims to determine (1) the degree of compliance of published PLSs against the PLS author instructions in health journals and (2) the extent to which PLSs meet health literacy principles.

Study design

We conducted a three-part systematic environmental scan.

Methods

We examined 26 health journals identified from a previous review. In part 1, we assessed the inclusion freque

SUBMITTER: Gainey K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11603698 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature