Patient Dependence on Unregulated Printable Online Educational Materials Prior to Tympanoplasty

¹Medical Student, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA

²Otolaryngologist, Ohio Health, Columbus, OH, USA

*Corresponding author: Mr. Waseem Syed, BS, Medical Student, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA, Tel: 4088056950; Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]

Received Date: September 19, 2025

Published Date: October 27, 2025

Citation: Syed W, et al. (2025). Patient Dependence on Unregulated Printable Online Educational Materials Prior to Tympanoplasty. Mathews J Otolaryngol. 4(1):12.

Copyrights: Syed W, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Patient education is a critical component of successful surgical outcomes, yet individuals preparing for tympanoplasty often rely on printable online educational materials (POEMs) that are inconsistent in quality, frequently written above recommended readability levels, and lacking in actionable guidance. This review evaluates the role of unregulated POEMs in patient preparation for tympanoplasty, highlighting deficiencies in readability, actionability, and completeness. Across otolaryngology-related materials, most are written at or above a tenth-grade reading level, far exceeding the sixth- to eighth-grade level recommended by national guidelines. Critical information, including anesthesia risks, alternative management strategies, and clear stepwise instructions, is frequently omitted. Such limitations can leave patients with misunderstandings, incomplete knowledge, and unrealistic expectations, ultimately affecting surgical preparedness, informed consent, and recovery. Addressing these shortcomings through stricter regulation of online materials and stronger physician–patient communication is essential to improving patient comprehension and outcomes in tympanoplasty.

Keywords: Otolaryngology, Printable Online Educational Materials, Tympanoplasty, Online Education, ENT.