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. 2024 Mar 12;14(1):6016.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-56727-6.

Conclusiveness, readability and textual characteristics of plain language summaries from medical and non-medical organizations: a cross-sectional study

Nensi Bralić  1 , Antonija Mijatović  2 , Ana Marušić  2 , Ivan Buljan  3
Affiliations

Conclusiveness, readability and textual characteristics of plain language summaries from medical and non-medical organizations: a cross-sectional study

Nensi Bralić et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

This cross-sectional study compared plain language summaries (PLSs) from medical and non-medical organizations regarding conclusiveness, readability and textual characteristics. All Cochrane (medical PLSs, n = 8638) and Campbell Collaboration and International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (non-medical PLSs, n = 163) PLSs of latest versions of systematic reviews published until 10 November 2022 were analysed. PLSs were classified into three conclusiveness categories (conclusive, inconclusive and unclear) using a machine learning tool for medical PLSs and by two experts for non-medical PLSs. A higher proportion of non-medical PLSs were conclusive (17.79% vs 8.40%, P < 0.0001), they had higher readability (median number of years of education needed to read the text with ease 15.23 (interquartile range (IQR) 14.35 to 15.96) vs 15.51 (IQR 14.31 to 16.77), P = 0.010), used more words (median 603 (IQR 539.50 to 658.50) vs 345 (IQR 202 to 476), P < 0.001). Language analysis showed that medical PLSs scored higher for disgust and fear, and non-medical PLSs scored higher for positive emotions. The reason for the observed differences between medical and non-medical fields may be attributed to the differences in publication methodologies or disciplinary differences. This approach to analysing PLSs is crucial for enhancing the overall quality of PLSs and knowledge translation to the general public.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Selection of plain language summaries. SR: systematic review; NIPH: Norwegian Institute of Public Health; 3ie: International Initiative for Impact Evaluation; PLS: plain language summary.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Proportion of specific linguistic characteristics within the PLSs by research domain. Error bars indicate 95% confidence intervals.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sentiment analysis of the PLSs from medical and non-medical research fields.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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