An evaluation of newborn hearing screening brochures and parental understanding of screening result terminology

Abstract

Objective: To assess the suitability of newborn hearing screening brochures by evaluating current state-level brochures and pregnant people's understanding of screening result terminology.

Design: In Study 1, state-level brochures were evaluated based on readability, design, picture appropriateness, and use of the word "refer." In Study 2, pregnant people completed a questionnaire that queried their understanding of and expected anxiety about three newborn hearing screening outcomes ("refer," "did not pass," and "pass").

Study sample: In Study 1, 59 newborn hearing screening brochures were analysed. In Study 2, 43 pregnant people completed surveys during a prenatal appointment.

Results: Most of the brochures were found deficient on at least one element. Thirty percent of brochures used the word "refer" to indicate a hearing screening failure; yet, fewer than half of participants understood its meaning. Ratings of expected anxiety were highest in response to the term "did not pass."

Conclusions: Based on four study criteria of brochure suitability, 88% of available state-level newborn hearing screening brochures should be modified to make them readily understandable by a broad educational demographic. Discretion in use of the term "refer" should be made when indicating screening results, because the term is not readily understood.

Keywords: Healthcare communication; anxiety; parent; readability.