Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Pamphlets”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Producing an information leaflet to help patients access high quality drug information on the Internet: a local study.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a patient information leaflet (PIL) to help local patients meet their drug information needs using the Internet, and to perform a preliminary evaluation of this tool. METHODS: Development--a cross-sectional survey of the drug information needs of local patients using a semi-structured questionnaire; assessment of websites offering free, consumer-orientated medicines information using set criteria; identification of consensus criteria to evaluate the quality of health-related on-line information; evaluation--views on a draft patient information leaflet from a focus group. RESULTS: Those surveyed felt that being directed to high-quality websites and being provided with assessment criteria for on-line information would be useful. The three websites fulfilling most of the set quality criteria were Surgery Door (www.surgerydoor.co.uk), InteliHealth (www.intelihealth.com) and medlineplus (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus). The six most frequently cited assessment criteria were currency, authorship, commerciality, relevance, links and attribution. A draft leaflet was constructed listing the above three websites and six criteria along with tips on how to search the Internet effectively. A focus group reacted favourably. CONCLUSION: The Internet is a source of drug information--an information leaflet may help to guide local patients through its variable information quality.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed1995

Written patient information: a review of the literature.

In the United States during the 1940s Flesch and Gunning pioneered the movement to improve the comprehensibility of government documents. Since that time the provision of comprehensible information to the general public has become increasingly important. Indeed, most computer programs have the facility to assess what percentage of the population will understand certain forms of written information. Vast quantities of written patient information have been produced over the decades and more are being produced daily. This literature review sets out to provide an insight into the studies which have looked at the value and purpose of such literature. Considering the amount of written patient information in existence the amount of research into this interesting subject is small. Many concepts have to be considered. Is this information of any use to patients? Can they understand and recall it and does it increase compliance? Are patients satisfied with the amount, quality and detail of written information? If health professionals are to inform their patients fully, written information is an area which should be more fully researched for ethical, quality and economic reasons.

Communication↗
PubMed1997

A descriptive study of the readability of patient information leaflets designed by nurses.

Written patient information materials can be valuable communication tools for teaching and reinforcing the verbal message, especially in the present climate of today's health service where patients are in hospital for such short times. They are only useful if the patient is able to read and understand them, otherwise they become an expensive waste of resources. Various studies have shown that many healthcare information leaflets are written at university or postgraduate level and would cause problems with understanding for many people reading them. This study set out to examine the readability of nurse-designed written information leaflets using the Flesch Reading Ease score and the FOG and SMOG readability formulae. This descriptive study used a sample of 24 leaflets designed by trained nurses in a large teaching hospital. The results produced a mean grade of 11.3 with a range of 8.9 to 14.8. This was similar to the results of other studies and meant that patients may have difficulty comprehending the information. It would appear that little progress has been made in 40 years in this area and potential reasons are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of readability formulae and other guidelines available for developing information leaflets are explored. Recommendations for further research are made.

Educational Status↗
PubMed2002

Patient-controlled analgesia: what information does the patient want?

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To formulate and evaluate an information leaflet for patients using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), incorporating information thought to be important by patients. RATIONALE: The benefit of current information leaflets, written by professionals, has not been studied and their value to patients is unknown. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that information leaflets were poorly designed and written in language too difficult for patients to understand. RESEARCH METHODS: Seven focus groups were conducted to establish what information patients wanted to know about PCA. This information was incorporated into a new information leaflet. One hundred patients were randomized to receive either the new leaflet or the old leaflet in current use. A questionnaire was used to establish whether the new leaflet was more clear and informative than the old one. RESULTS: Patients wanted to know that the drug used in PCA was morphine. They wanted more information about side-effects, needed to be reassured that it was safe, and that they could not overdose or become addicted. They wanted detailed instructions and diagrams about the technique. The questionnaire study established that the new leaflet was clearer and more informative. CONCLUSION: Patients' contribution led to major change, producing a leaflet which was clearer, more attractive, more informative and which proved more satisfactory to patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The adaptation of written self-management plans for children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Self-management plans are an important element of asthma care. Although asthma is common in children, there is limited guidance for adaptation of self-management plans for children. AIMS: . A study was conducted in order to develop a set of criteria for adaptation of asthma self-management plans for school aged children; and to use these criteria to review self-management plans used in United Kingdom (UK) centres. METHODS: Self-management plans were obtained by telephone survey (response rate: 81%) of 47 selected UK paediatric, respiratory and community centres during the period between March and October 2001. The content of self-management plans was analysed according to criteria developed from a review of the literature, including objectives, opportunities for individualization, and the implied roles of parent and child in asthma management. Agreement was achieved between the authors and a third independent rater. RESULTS: The majority of centres (31 of 47) used or planned to use adapted self-management plans while the remainder used the standard National Asthma Campaign self-management plan. There were wide variations in self-management plans, including variation in the person to whom plans were addressed, criteria for treatment and the objectives stated for self-management. Few opportunities were provided for individualization of self-management. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited to the documents used in self-management in selected centres. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that many practitioners believe that self-management education requires adaptation for children. There is little consistency in the adaptation of self-management plans for children. Principles for devising adapted self-management plans are proposed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Minor illness education for parents of young children.

BACKGROUND: A number of previous studies on minor illness have concentrated on nurse-led clinics and the role of nurse practitioners. This study examines the effect of a minor illness education programme which aimed to increase parents' confidence and knowledge in managing childhood illnesses. AIM: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a home visit and booklet in providing education to parents about minor infant illnesses. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The intervention involved a home visit to discuss parents' concerns and provide advice and information, and a booklet advising parents what to do and when to consult about infant illnesses. METHOD: A total of 120 parents of 6 week old babies were identified over a 6 month period, using health visitors' caseloads, and randomized to an intervention group (60), that received a visit and a booklet, or a control group (60) that received standard care. Groups were compared on entry to the study and at 7 months, in terms of parental knowledge and confidence about childhood illnesses, the intended use of home care activities, intention to consult professionals and actual use of health services. Data were collected by self-completed questionnaire and case note review. FINDINGS: The educational intervention resulted in a reduction in visits to the child health clinic but had little effect on use of other services. Parents in the intervention group showed a general trend towards greater certainty about the home care options they would choose, and a reduction in intention to consult a doctor. However, they also indicated a feeling of reduced confidence and knowledge. CONCLUSION: The trial showed no effect on use of services but did demonstrate reduction in parents' intentions to consult a doctor, which appeared to be because of increased certainty about home care. However, it is of concern that they indicated feeling less confident and knowledgeable. It is not possible to clarify whether this represented anxiety that was constructive, enhancing decision-making or was destructive. Further work into the role of education in parental decision-making, anxiety levels and enhancement of confidence is required.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1998

An investigation into the information obtained by patients undergoing gastroscopy investigations.

The benefits of informing patients before undergoing surgery or other investigative procedures are clearly demonstrated in the literature. This study aimed to determine the amount and type of information given to patients before, during and after undergoing gastroscopy investigations. A survey approach incorporating structured interviews and structured observation was utilized. There were statistically significant differences between the information acquired by younger and older patients prior to, but not during or after, the procedure. Nurses appear to be the most important source of information for older patients while the information leaflet was perceived as the most important source of information for younger patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Need for appropriate written information for patients, with particular reference to head and neck cancer.

Patients need and want written information. There is evidence that giving comprehensible information increases overall satisfaction with the care given by healthcare professionals. This paper provides a review of the literature on patients' need for appropriate information, with particular reference to head and neck cancer, based on searches of electronic databases. Head and neck cancers are among the least common cancers in the UK but these patients have very specific and great needs. Written information is a cost-effective intervention that complements verbal advice given by healthcare professionals. Evidence suggests that patient information leaflets are poor and are in language that is difficult for the public to understand. Considerable time, effort and user involvement are required to produce acceptable and appropriate information leaflets for patients.

Communication↗
PubMed2004

Meeting patient and relatives' information needs upon transfer from an intensive care unit: the development and evaluation of an information booklet.

BACKGROUND: Transfer from the intensive care unit to a ward is associated with a significant degree of relocation stress for patients and relatives. This can be stressful for ward nurses due to the dependency levels of patients and the ensuing increased workload. Furthermore the patient may require care, not normally undertaken in that clinical area, e.g. tracheostomy care. Patients may forget the verbal information given to them at the time of transfer and often have limited or no memory of the intensive care unit experience. This can cause anxiety and compound the feelings of stress associated with transfer. Many patients suffer psychological and physiological problems after intensive care unit, which can affect their recovery and quality of life. AIMS: The aim of the study was to develop an evidence-based information booklet for patients and relatives preparing for transfer from intensive care units. DESIGN: This collaborative study used an exploratory design with elements of the action research cycle. The study, conducted in three phases, involved identifying patients' and relatives' information needs around the time of transfer; designing and developing an information booklet; and the introduction and evaluation of the booklet into practice. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were used to elicit the views of patients and relatives regarding their information needs. Members of the multidisciplinary team were involved in identifying and reviewing booklet content. RESULTS: Evaluation identified positive outcomes relating to patients' and relatives' satisfaction with the information and enhanced communication with other wards and health care professionals. The study also highlighted the need for more staff education in relation to patients and relatives needs when transferring to a ward. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated the value of providing patients and relatives with written information regarding transfer from intensive care units. Furthermore the study confirmed the feasibility and importance of including patients and relatives in the process of booklet development to ensure that their needs for information are being met. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Providing written information as part of a structured discharge plan is recommended. It provides patients and relatives with a resource that they can refer to at any time and that enhances verbal communication. The purpose of this information is to inform and empower patients so that they are better prepared for the transfer and recovery period.

Family↗
PubMed1997

Evaluation of changes in primary health care availability and provision from the patient perspective.

This study was designed to investigate changes in primary care following recent NHS reforms. The study was carried out by home interview of random samples of people aged 65 years and over in three district health authorities; 1500 in 1990 and 1500 in 1992, before and after the introduction of the reforms. The response rate was 94% (1413 in 1990 and 1405 in 1992). Few patients (6%) changed their general practitioner (GP) in 1990 or 1992. There was an increase in the provision of written practice information in 1992, but more than 60% of patients could not recall receiving leaflets. More practices included practice nurses and appointments systems and fewer used rotas of local practices or deputizing services for 'out of hours' calls. In 1992 more patients aged 75 years and over saw their GP within the previous year and significantly more were assessed for vision, hearing, continence, foot problems and blood pressure and had their urine tested, but most of these health assessments, except blood pressure (64%), were recalled by few patients. There have been small changes in the provision and use of primary health care by older people since the introduction of the new GP contract.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

A qualitative evaluation of information leaflets for gastroscopy procedure.

Written information sent to patients prior to diagnostic gastroscopy is an important part of the process of informing and preparing them for the procedure. Yet there is ample evidence in the literature that information leaflets do not measure up to the required standard. In this study, information leaflets from a random sample of seven hospitals in Northern Ireland that carried out gastroscopy as a day procedure were evaluated using a checklist of items recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) for inclusion in leaflets for patients undergoing diagnostic gastroscopy. The results showed that the number of written materials sent to patients prior to the procedure varied between units. There were inconsistencies in the information given by the same unit, and overall, there was a lack of vital information in most of the leaflets. Some of the information was confusing and ambiguous. The potential risk of the procedure was explained in only one of the leaflets. Patients' right to choose to have a mild sedative was not made clear in most of the leaflets. More should be done to address these gaps and inconsistencies in the written information provided to patients prior to gastroscopy.

Comprehension↗
PubMed2002

Using disease risk estimates to guide risk factor interventions: field test of a patient workbook for self-assessing coronary risk.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a patient workbook for self-assessing coronary risk. DESIGN: Pilot study, with post-study physician and patient interviews. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Twenty southern Ontario family doctors and 40 patients for whom they would have used the workbook under normal practice conditions. INTERVENTIONS: The study involved convening two sequential groups of family physicians: the first (n=10) attended focus group meetings to help develop the workbook (using algorithms from the Framingham Heart Study); the second (n=20) used the workbook in practice with 40 patients. Follow-up interviews were by interviewer-administered questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Physicians' and patients' opinions of the workbook's format, content, helpfulness, feasibility, and potential for broad application, as well as patients' perceived 10-year risk of a coronary event measured before and after using the workbook. RESULTS: It took an average of 18 minutes of physician time to use the workbook: roughly 7 minutes to introduce it to patients, and about 11 minutes to discuss the results. Assessments of the workbook were generally favourable. Most patients were able to complete it on their own (78%), felt they had learned something (80%) and were willing to recommend it to someone else (98%). Similarly, 19 of 20 physicians found it helpful and would use it in practice with an average of 18% of their patients (range: 1-80%). The workbook helped to correct misperceptions patients had about their personal risk of a coronary event over the next 10 years (pre-workbook (mean (SD) %): 35.2 (16.9) vs. post-workbook: 17.3 (13.5), P < 0.0001; estimate according to algorithm: 10.6 (7.6)). CONCLUSIONS: Given a simple tool, patients can and will assess their own risk of CHD. Such tools could help inform otherwise healthy individuals that their risk is increased, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their behaviours and treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Elaborating patient information with patients themselves: lessons from a cancer treatment focus group.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of patients' input in the elaboration of a patient information booklet. DESIGN: Qualitative study based on focus group discussions. SETTING: Centre Léon Bérard, a comprehensive cancer centre in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. PARTICIPANTS: (1) A multidisciplinary working group (oncologists, health economists and one clinical psychologist) wrote up initial information documents concerning possible breast cancer treatments. (2) A focus group comprised of patients with a history of breast cancer and healthy volunteers discussed their reactions to these documents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Analysis of the focus group's reactions according to key themes predetermined by the working group and related themes introduced by the focus group itself. RESULTS: The focus group proposed numerous, significant modifications to answer requests for additional information, clarification and better readability in the information booklets. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative analysis showed a significant input of patients' perspective in the elaboration of patient information. It is also an additional support to the feasibility and appropriateness of the focus group technique. The next stage will be to test whether information documents produced here conform to the needs of patients currently undergoing treatment.

Cancer Care Facilities↗
PubMed2003

Impact of patient information booklet on treatment decision--a randomized trial among women with heavy menstruation.

OBJECTIVE: Does a patient information booklet influence treatment for menorrhagia? DESIGN: Randomized trial and a pre-trial prospective cohort study. SETTING: Gynaecology outpatient clinics in 14 Finnish hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 363 (randomized trial) plus 206 (cohort study) patients with menorrhagia. INTERVENTION: An information booklet about menorrhagia and treatment options, mailed before the first visit to the outpatient clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distribution of treatment modalities, knowledge about treatment options, satisfaction with communication with personnel and anxiety. RESULTS: Treatment decision within 3 months was made more often in the intervention group than in the control group (96% and 89% respectively, P = 0.02). Oral medication was more frequently chosen, and newly introduced treatments (minor surgery, hormonal intrauterine system) were less frequently used in the intervention group (at 3-month follow-up 21% and 29%, respectively). The differences persisted at the 12-month follow-up. In the pre-trial group, new treatment methods were less frequently chosen and used than in the control group. Additional information did not increase the number of surgical procedures used, improve knowledge, or influence satisfaction or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Additional information led to an increase in specific treatment decisions and changed the distribution of used treatments without increasing the number of surgical procedures. The study suggests that well-informed women adopting an active role may counteract physicians' emphasis on newly introduced treatments.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The introduction of a paediatric anaesthesia information leaflet: an audit of its impact on parental anxiety and satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: A paediatric anaesthesia information leaflet was produced to address preoperative parental anxiety and to facilitate informed parental consent. METHODS: An audit was undertaken to assess the impact of introducing the leaflet. This addressed the information needs and expectations of parents of children undergoing anaesthesia, parental satisfaction with information provision and parental preoperative anxiety. RESULTS: The audit revealed that parents expect to be provided with information, although not necessarily in written form. However, the majority who received the information leaflet concluded that verbal information alone would not have been sufficient. The information leaflet was found to be accessible, informative and useful and those who received it reported greater satisfaction with information provision than a control group. Many parents perceived that it resulted in lower levels of preoperative anxiety CONCLUSIONS: A decision was therefore undertaken that routine use of the leaflet would continue on all of the paediatric surgical wards. However, the study also indicated that leaflets should not replace verbal communication with nursing and medical staff, who remain important sources of information.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Does an HIV clinical trial information booklet improve patient knowledge and understanding of HIV clinical trials?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of an information booklet on HIV clinical trials, Clinical Trials in HIV and AIDS: Information For People Who Are Thinking About Joining a Trial, in addition to the standard trial information (SI) on patients' knowledge; understanding and attitudes about clinical trials; and to investigate patients' motivations and reasons for enrolling or not enrolling in a clinical trial. METHODS: Fifty HIV-1 positive patients who attended the HIV clinic at a west London hospital were randomized to receive either SI alone (n = 27) or SI and a 16 page information booklet explaining the principles and procedures of HIV clinical trials (n = 23). A self-administered questionnaire was used at baseline to assess past experience and attitudes to clinical trials (10 questions), knowledge and understanding of HIV treatments (8 questions) and clinical trials (11 questions). At 2-6 months after randomization, a second interviewer-administered questionnaire addressed the patient's assessment of the usefulness and comprehensiveness of the information provided by the SI and information booklet, whether or not the patient had enrolled in a clinical trial and reasons for enrolling/not enrolling, knowledge of specific aspects of the trial protocol the patient was eligible to join (13 questions) and general knowledge of clinical trial procedures (repeat of 11 baseline questions). Changes in the attitudes and scores on knowledge and understanding of clinical trials were compared for the two groups. RESULTS: In both groups, patient knowledge of clinical trial procedures improved significantly over the study period. The median score increased from 30 at baseline to 35/44 at follow-up (SI only) vs. 24-31/44 (SI plus booklet), but this did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, knowledge of the specific trial protocol was poor [median score 13/25, interquartile range (IQR) 8-14], and there was no difference in the scores for the two groups. The prime motivations for joining a clinical trial were to benefit personal health and to gain access to new treatments. Potential side-effects were the main concern of prospective trial participants. CONCLUSIONS: This small trial shows that, while the patients' general knowledge and understanding of clinical trials improved over time, this was not improved by the information booklet and recollection of the details of the relevant trial protocol remained poor.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A randomized trial comparing the effectiveness and preference of a touch-screen computer system with a leaflet for providing women with information on urinary symptoms suggestive of detrusor instability.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how well women learned and retained information given to them by either a leaflet or a computer-generated information system, and which system they preferred to use for obtaining information about urinary symptoms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty women answered 11 questions on the aetiology, investigation and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms. They were then randomized to use one of the information systems for 20 min, after which they answered the same urological questions. The women then crossed over to use the other information system for 20 min and afterwards completed a preference questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean baseline scores from a possible total of 11 were 3.9 and 4.3 for the computer and leaflet groups, respectively. The mean improvements in scores were 3.6 (P < 0.001) and 2.8 (P < 0.001) for the computer and leaflet groups, respectively. Both information systems were well liked by all of the women and 26 (65%) said they would prefer to use a computer-generated system in the future if given a choice. CONCLUSIONS: Women significantly increased their knowledge of urinary problems after using a computer-generated information system or a leaflet. Although there were few subjects, there appeared to be a trend for the computer system to be both better liked and slightly more effective.

Adult↗