Magdalena Beata Skarżyńska, Magda Żelazowska-Sobczyk, Iwona Tomaszewska-Hert, Agnieszka Błaszczak, Natalia Tęcza, Sambor Grucza, Piotr H. Skarżyński

Assessment of the usefulness and clarity of postoperative educational materials for parents regarding pharmacotherapy after selected otorhinolaryngological procedures: an anonymous questionnaire study supported by eye-tracking analysis

2026-04-17

Introduction. Proper preparation, dosing, and storage of medications after otorhinolaryngological procedures in children are crucial for safe recovery. Educational materials (e.g., guides), especially those containing visual elements (e.g., pictograms and tables), may support caregivers in following postoperative recommendations.

Aim. To assess the usefulness and clarity of a guide presenting basic principles of medication administration after tonsillectomy, adenotonsillectomy, and/or ear drainage, using an anonymous questionnaire study supported by eye-tracking analysis.

Material and Methods. An anonymous questionnaire study was conducted among respondents (N = 39), including evaluation of the educational materials using a Likert scale (1–5) and assessment of pictogram comprehensibility (1–5). Internal consistency of the pictogram scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Additionally, an eye-tracking study was performed in 15 respondents, including general parameters of visual activity such as the number of samples, fixations, and saccades. The study received approval from the bioethics committee.

Results. Respondents rated the materials as highly useful and easy to understand. The statement regarding completeness of information achieved a mean score of 4.68 ± 0.62, and content-supporting elements were rated very highly: text formatting 4.86 ± 0.35, dosing tables 4.81 ± 0.40, and pictograms 4.67 ± 0.62. Overall pictogram ratings were very high (mean 4.80 ± 0.30), and the scale demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.914). In the eye-tracking study, the mean number of samples was 103,664 ± 22,450, the number of fixations was 57,241 ± 20,534, and the number of saccades was 6,650 ± 1,537, indicating substantial visual activity while reviewing the guide content and individual variability in perception and information-processing strategies.

Conclusions. The analyzed material was assessed as clear and highly useful. The results showed that pictograms and tables provide important support in understanding postoperative recommendations. Eye-tracking data confirm active processing of the content by users, supporting the use of clear visual elements in the education of patients and caregivers.

Keywords: postoperative care, questionnaire survey, eye-tracking, medication safety, plain language, pediatric dosing, caregiver education, medical pictograms.

© Farm Pol, 2025, 81(9): 523–530