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 1,225 records · Page 68Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Feasibility of named antenatal HIV screening in an inner city population.

The object of this study was to assess the resource use, feasibility, uptake and consumers' perspective of introducing routine named human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing into an inner city hospital antenatal clinic (St Thomas Hospital, part of Guy's and St Thomas Hospital Trust). Following the introduction of a new service offering routine named HIV testing at booking appointments, the length of the appointments were recorded over a three-month period and compared with appointment lengths in the previously existing service. Women being offered routine named HIV testing were asked to complete a questionnaire before and after their appointment to assess knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of HIV testing. Subjects were three-hundred-and-eighty-one pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic for their booking appointment. There was no significant difference in the length of the booking appointments following the introduction of offering routine named HIV testing. One-hundred-and-fifty-eight women (42%) consented to testing with no positive results detected. There was a significant rise in the uptake of the test over the three-month period. No other variables (demographics, perceived risk, having read the leaflet) were predictive of uptake. Anxiety scores were significantly less after the booking appointment. Routine named HIV testing was feasibly introduced into a hospital antenatal clinic with minimum resource implications. Further study is needed to monitor the ongoing uptake rate and identification of HIV-positive women before a decision can be made as to the long-term benefit of this new service. Women considered it acceptable to be offered the HIV test and were less anxious after their appointments.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

How informed is consent in sham-controlled trials of acupuncture?

OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate whether, and if so, how published sham-controlled trials of acupuncture report on the information given to patients about true and sham interventions. We asked acupuncture therapists to provide original patient information leaflets in order to study how interventions were described in more detail. METHODS: Forty-seven (47) published sham-controlled trials of acupuncture collected for a systematic review on sham techniques were screened to determine whether they reported on information given to patients about study interventions; any such information was extracted. We contacted authors of published studies and other researchers in the field and asked them to provide copies of original patient information leaflets. Information given to patients about true and sham interventions was extracted. RESULTS: Ten (10; 21%) of the 47 published studies included some information on how patients were informed. None of these studies appear to have used the term "sham" or "placebo" and most appear to have suggested that two types of acupuncture were compared. In the 16 original patient information leaflets obtained, the way patients were informed varied greatly: 7 leaflets explicitly included words such as "sham," "placebo," or "dummy." Others described the control intervention as not meeting all criteria of acupuncture. Finally, one group of studies simply suggested that different types of acupuncture were being compared. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that (1) only a minority of published trials report on information given to patients about true and sham interventions and (2) that information strategies vary considerably and are often not fully explicit. This has not only ethical relevance but also might influence results of trials.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2004

A replicable process for redesigning ethnically relevant educational materials.

BACKGROUND: To serve the populations targeted by Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) effectively, healthcare providers need educational materials that are evidence based and ethnically relevant and can be easily incorporated into busy clinic settings. We describe a replicable process used to redesign and tailor physical activity and diet education materials for African American women in the southeastern United States. METHODS: The process consists of seven phases. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used on data gathered in 2000 from two expert panels and eight focus groups. RESULTS: Expert panelists preferred materials perceived to be high quality, easy to understand, organized to facilitate use by healthcare providers, and with content relevant to African American women. Focus group participants were mostly concerned with the visual appeal and content of educational materials. They liked high-quality materials that are brief; avoid jargon and use simple language, bright colors, and photographs; and provide useful information that acknowledges the context of their lives, including their family roles. CONCLUSIONS: The redesign process can produce ethnically and culturally appropriate educational materials for use by WISEWOMAN providers and other healthcare providers in conjunction with cardiovascular (CVD) risk reduction and behavioral counseling. To be effective, materials must address the needs and concerns of both providers and patients.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1997

Who should provide genetic education prior to gene testing? Computers and other methods for improving patient understanding.

As numerous new gene tests are introduced into clinical practice, patients have a growing need for accurate and comprehensive information about the risks and benefits of gene testing. However, in the changing healthcare environment, it is not clear who will provide such information because genetic counselors are scarce and their services are not widely utilized, and primary care providers lack time and expertise in genetics. Interactive computers may help fill the information gap. We review a variety of educational modalities for providing patient education and argue that interactive computers have potential advantages over other educational methods for providing information and promoting informed consent to genetic testing. Finally, some questions for further research are raised.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed1994

How readable are the hospital information leaflets available to elderly patients?

The readability of 70 hospital information leaflets was compared with that of outside publications. Clarify of language was assessed by calculation of a 'reading score' for each document using the Gunning FOG test. Layout was assessed in terms of typeface, style of print and use of illustrations. Reading scores were generally satisfactory and illustrations were used effectively in most cases. However, seven (10%) of the leaflets had scores of 14 and above (equivalent to the British Medical Journal). Only 12 (17%) of the leaflets met the recommendations of the Royal National Institute for the Blind for size of typeface. The Gunning FOG test provides a reasonable assessment of readability. Documents scoring 12 and over may be incomprehensible, particularly to elderly patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

The CareFile Project: a feasibility study to examine the effects of an individualised information booklet on patients after stroke.

INTRODUCTION: patients have reported a lack of knowledge and understanding of stroke and its risk factors. Uncertainty remains about the most appropriate and effective method of educating patients after stroke. OBJECTIVE: to assess the impact of the CareFile, an individualized information booklet, on patients' knowledge and satisfaction level after stroke. DESIGN: randomised pilot study for a controlled trial. SETTING: a large teaching hospital in Liverpool, UK. METHODS: consecutive stroke patients admitted over a 9-month period, who met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate, were randomised into this study. All patients received the usual stroke information leaflets provided by the stroke unit. In addition, the intervention group received the ;CareFile', a booklet containing general information and patient-specific information on stroke. Patients in both groups completed a stroke knowledge questionnaire at baseline, and at three and six months post-stroke. RESULTS: of the 259 admissions, 100 were eligible to participate, and 50 were randomised to each group. There was no significant difference in patient knowledge between the groups at baseline (P>0.05). However, at three (P<0.05) and six (P<0.005) months post-stroke, the intervention group had significantly better knowledge of stroke. There were no differences between the groups regarding satisfaction with the information received. CONCLUSIONS: a simple education package, in the form of an individualized information booklet, resulted in a significant improvement in knowledge and recognition of risk factors for stroke. The CareFile should make a valuable contribution in meeting the requirements of the National Sentinel Audit and National Service Framework regarding provision of information to patients after stroke.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Longitudinal evaluation of an educational intervention for preventing tick bites in an area with endemic lyme disease in Baltimore County, Maryland.

The authors attempted to determine whether a targeted educational intervention in an area with endemic Lyme disease could increase knowledge, positive attitudes, and reported behaviors related to tick bite prevention and consequently decrease tick bites, as measured by a biomarker of tick bites. Between April and September of 1999, 317 subjects in Baltimore County, Maryland, were randomized to receive either tick-related or general health-related educational materials bimonthly through the mail. At each of three clinic visits, participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and provided a serum sample. Anti-recombinant tick calreticulin antibody (ARTCA), measured in ng/ micro l, was used as a biomarker of tick bites. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to determine 1) whether the educational intervention was associated with a change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) and 2) whether change in KAB predicted change in ARTCA levels. Proportions of desired responses increased significantly among intervention subjects versus the comparison group on KAB measures related to examining the body for ticks and insect repellent use. Levels of ARTCA were low among all study subjects. Only six of 37 models exhibited a significant relation between change in a KAB variable and change in ARTCA levels over time. The behavioral intervention was associated with an increase in the KAB measures in the intervention group, but this change was not associated with change in ARTCA levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Can screening and simple written advice reduce excessive alcohol consumption among emergency care patients?

AIMS: Emergency care patients have an overrepresentation of risky drinkers. Despite the evidence on the effectiveness of a short feedback on screening or self-help material, most studies performed so far have required considerable time from staff and thus been difficult to implement in the real world. The present study evaluates the effect of the screening and whether simple written advice has any additional effect on risky drinking. METHODS: An alcohol screening routine was implemented among injury patients in a Swedish emergency care department. Over 12 months, two cohorts were invited to answer an alcohol screening questionnaire in the waiting room. In the first 6 months, 771 patients were screened without any written advice (cohort A) and in the following 6 months, 563 were screened and in addition received simple written advice about sensible drinking (cohort B). None of the patients received one-to-one feedback. Six months after the screening, a follow-up interview by telephone explored the changes in drinking. RESULTS: In cohort A 182 (24%) of the patients were defined as risky drinkers and in cohort B 125 (22%). Reached at follow-up after 6 months were 81 (44%) risky and 278 (47%) non-risky drinkers in cohort A, and 40 (32%) risky and 220 (50%) non-risky drinkers in cohort B. The number of patients with heavy episodic drinking decreased significantly in cohort A from 76 (94% of the risky drinkers) to 49 (59%). In cohort B a similar change was seen from 37 (92%) to 27 (68%). Only in cohort B, was a significant increase in readiness to change drinking habits seen [from 3 (8%) to 9 (23%)]. The reduction in heavy episodic drinking was comparable with previous reports from more extensive interventions. However, at the time of follow-up, drinking among non-risky drinkers at baseline had increased. When considering the greater numbers of non-risky drinkers, the total consumption in the study group increased during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the reported difficulties of integrating more time-consuming alcohol interventions in emergency departments, it is suggested that at least screening for drinking should be implemented as routine in emergency departments. More research is needed in order to establish the optimal balance between effective alcohol intervention, and acceptable time and effort requirement from staff.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Reducing friday alcohol consumption among moderate, women drinkers: evaluation of a brief evidence-based intervention.

AIMS: A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a brief research-based intervention designed to promote drinking within recommended limits on Fridays and Saturdays among moderate drinkers. METHODS: The two-page, leaflet-like intervention included persuasive communication targeting motivational and volitional antecedents of behaviour as specified by an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and implementation intention theory. Participants were randomly allocated to a control group (TPB questionnaire only) or to a group receiving the TPB questionnaire plus leaflet-like intervention. Cognitions and drinking behaviour were measured immediately before the intervention and at 8-weeks follow-up. The pre-intervention questionnaire was distributed to 573 participants of whom 347 (61%) responded at follow-up. RESULTS: Significantly greater reduction in risky drinking on Fridays was observed among women (but not men) in the intervention group at 8-weeks follow-up. No other post-intervention differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: A low-cost, readily-produced, written intervention focusing on recommended daily limits reduced risky drinking amongst women on Fridays. Further work on similar interventions is warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Drug patient information leaflets in anaesthesia: effect on anxiety and patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Patient information leaflets are produced for all new drugs, including anaesthetic drugs that are licensed solely for physician administration. The effect of this information on patients' satisfaction and anxiety has not been investigated previously. METHODS: Eighty-five patients were allocated randomly to receive a standard information leaflet about anaesthesia (Group 1) or the standard leaflet plus the manufacturers' patient information leaflets for propofol and remifentanil (Group 2). Anxiety was assessed using the state trait anxiety index (STAI) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for anxiety before and after this information had been read. Patients' attitudes to this information were assessed by a short questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in STAI or VAS scores for anxiety between the two groups before or after the information leaflets. Significantly more patients who received drug patient information leaflets felt that they had received too much information (0% Group 1 vs 18% Group 2, P=0.003). More than 64% of patients in both groups said that they would not wish to receive detailed anaesthetic drug information. There was a correlation between the STAI and the VAS scores for anxiety (R=0.8). CONCLUSIONS: A minority of patients (up to 36%) wish to receive detailed anaesthetic drug information before anaesthesia. Manufacturers' drug patient information leaflets do not alter preoperative anxiety and may be safely issued to patients requesting such information.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

What information do breast cancer screening programmes provide to Italian women?

BACKGROUND: The necessity for building transparent communications on screening, both on risks and benefits, is shared by different sides. There is a general agreement that women cannot express informed participation in a screening programme unless they are given sufficient and adequate information. In the screening context, invitation letters and leaflets often represent the principal source of information. METHODS: The invitation letters and leaflets used by 60 Italian breast cancer screening programmes were collected and evaluated through a score sheet developed to verify what kind of information is provided to women. RESULTS: Fifty-three programmes (88.3%) answered and 47 (78.3%) were included in the analysis because of completeness of the material. Nearly all the programmes provide satisfactory practical information and explanations about the test and the screening aims. Few programmes mention the possibility of some discomfort during the exam (34.0%), quality assessment and operator training (10.6%), double reading (6.4%), radiation risk (6.4%) and data confidentiality (6.4%). 68.1% provide information about recall but none describes what a further assessment involves. Epidemiological and numerical information are present only occasionally. CONCLUSION: Although satisfactorily disclosing some practical information, Italian invitation letters and leaflets remain inadequate in managing side effects and risks. If accurate information has the potential to enable women to make an informed choice, the information inviting them to perform screening test must be improved. Further researcher is needed to evaluate different decision aids to meet women's desires for balanced information. KEY POINTS: Women cannot express informed participation in a breast screening programme unless they are given balanced information both on benefits and adverse effects. Current information screening tools often omit relevent data, fail to give information about pros and cons and ignore uncertainties. Despite these considerations, how much information should be given and how this should be framed remains still to be defined. Further evalutions of different ways of presenting information and women's information needs are urgently required.

Aged↗