{"title":"Evaluating the Readability of the iPledge Comprehension Assessment and its Impact on Isotretinoin Accessibility.","authors":"Peter Baek, Nidhi Shah, A Yasmine Kirkorian","doi":"10.1111/pde.15765","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Isotretinoin, the standard treatment for severe nodular acne, is subject to stringent iPLEDGE regulations due to its teratogenic risks, requiring monthly assessments for patients of childbearing potential. Analysis of the iPLEDGE Comprehension Assessment (iPCA) revealed an average readability score of grade 8.5, exceeding the recommended grade 6 level for optimal patient comprehension. The complex language of iPCA may hinder patients from accessing treatment, contributing to delays and potential discontinuation, especially among female patients. While the overall number of isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies has decreased since the inception of iPledge, several hundred pregnancies continue to be reported, and simplification of iPCA presents one avenue to improve patient comprehension, safety, and ensuring equitable access to isotretinoin.</p>","PeriodicalId":19819,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"413-414"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Pediatric Dermatology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.15765","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2024/9/23 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"DERMATOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Isotretinoin, the standard treatment for severe nodular acne, is subject to stringent iPLEDGE regulations due to its teratogenic risks, requiring monthly assessments for patients of childbearing potential. Analysis of the iPLEDGE Comprehension Assessment (iPCA) revealed an average readability score of grade 8.5, exceeding the recommended grade 6 level for optimal patient comprehension. The complex language of iPCA may hinder patients from accessing treatment, contributing to delays and potential discontinuation, especially among female patients. While the overall number of isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies has decreased since the inception of iPledge, several hundred pregnancies continue to be reported, and simplification of iPCA presents one avenue to improve patient comprehension, safety, and ensuring equitable access to isotretinoin.
期刊介绍:
Pediatric Dermatology answers the need for new ideas and strategies for today''s pediatrician or dermatologist. As a teaching vehicle, the Journal is still unsurpassed and it will continue to present the latest on topics such as hemangiomas, atopic dermatitis, rare and unusual presentations of childhood diseases, neonatal medicine, and therapeutic advances. As important progress is made in any area involving infants and children, Pediatric Dermatology is there to publish the findings.