Impact of Mandatory Maximum Readability Scores in Client Discharge Instructions on Postoperative Sterilization Complications

Readability, or the ability to comprehend written text, may directly influence client understanding and adherence to post-operative (PO) care instructions. Previous work at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine demonstrated that higher reading grade levels in discharge instructions were associated with increased PO complication rates in dogs undergoing elective sterilization. Subsequently, a readability maximum was implemented, requiring all third-year veterinary students to create discharge instructions with a Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) of 6 or below. This study evaluated the impact of this intervention on PO complication rates within the student-run community spay/neuter program. Readability scores and PO outcomes were analyzed in 175 cases (114 dogs, 61 cats). Mean FKGL was 5.45 ± 0.89, and mean Flesch Reading Ease score was 75.57 ± 6.53, indicating materials were written at or below the recommended Grade 6 literacy level. The overall complication rate was 34.3%, but there was no association observed between complication occurrence and readability scores ( p > .05).