Assessment of Readability of Gynecologic Cancer Clinical Trials Literature at National Cancer Institute - Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers

Objective(s)The objective of this study was to assess the readability of patient-facing gynecologic cancer clinical trial information on National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers (NCI-CCCs) websites.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional analysis of publicly accessible information pertaining to gynecologic cancer clinical trials on NCI-CCC's websites in September 2023. Clinical trial descriptions for endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers were assessed. Websites with limited to no descriptive information regarding their clinical trials were excluded. Readability was assessed using Readability Studio Professional Edition software for five readability metrics (FORCAST, Fry, Gunning Fog, Raygor Estimate, and SMOG).ResultsOf 56 NCI-CCCs evaluated, 78% (n=44) had information pertaining to gynecologic cancer clinical trials and gynecologic clinical trial descriptions for readability analysis. 14% (n=8) lacked clinical trial descriptions and linked to Clinicaltrials.gov and 7% (n=4) only had information available through additional inquiry within the cancer center. Across NCI-CCCs the overall mean reading level across all analysis was 15th grade, or collegiate level reading. The specific readability metric analysis were as follows: FORCAST: 12.4 (9.7-14.7), Fry: 17 (13-17), Gunning Fog: 16.8 (10-19), Raygor Estimate: 16 (7-17), and SMOG: 16.5 (11.4-19). Clinical trial information was stratified by the NCI Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) with no statistically significant differences in readability or complexity.Conclusion(s)In this analysis of publicly available, patient-facing information on NCI-CCC websites regarding gynecologic cancer clinical trials, the readability scores were above high-school level across the United States, which far exceeds the recommended readability metric of 6th grade by the National Institute of Health. Opportunities exist to improve the readability of gynecologic cancer clinical trial online literature which may facilitate patient access, participation, and understanding.