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 1,495 records · Page 83Linked to original sources

Postal consent for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Standards for good practice in clinical risk management issued by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts indicate that "appropriate information is provided to patients on the risks and benefits of proposed treatment, and of the alternatives available before a signature on a consent form is sought". AIMS: To investigate the practicability and patient acceptability of a postal information and consent booklet for patients undergoing outpatient gastroscopy. METHODS: Information about gastroscopy procedure, personalised appointment details, and a carbonised consent form were compiled into a single booklet. This was mailed to patients well in advance of their endoscopic procedure. Patient satisfaction for this new process was assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: 275 patients received a patient information booklet. Of these, 150 (54.5%) returned the consent form by post when they confirmed their attendance; 141 (94%) had signed the form, and the other nine requested further information. Of the remaining 125 booklets sent out, 115 (92%) forms were brought back on the day of the investigation having been previously signed. The remaining 10 (8%) required further information before signing the form. An audit of 168 patients was used to test reaction to the booklet and the idea of filling in the form before coming to hospital; 155 patients (92. 2%) reported the information given in the booklet to be "very useful", and all reported it to be "clear and understandable". CONCLUSION: A specifically designed patient information booklet with integral consent form is accepted by patients, and improves the level of understanding prior to the investigation being carried out.

Appointments and Schedules↗

Informed consent.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Guideline Adherence↗

The effect on compliance of a health education leaflet in colorectal cancer screening in general practice in central England.

OBJECTIVE: To raise compliance in a general practice based colorectal cancer screening programme by the use of a simple health educational leaflet. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial of the leaflet's effect on completion of faecal occult blood tests. The leaflet explained the high frequency of colorectal cancer, the principles of screening, and addressed reasons for non-compliance. SETTING: The British town of Market Harborough where most of the population are registered with a single practice. PARTICIPANTS: These comprised 1571 residents aged 61 to 70 years registered with the practice. Residents were invited to receive a free faecal occult blood test in a colorectal cancer screening programme. Half the population were randomly assigned to receive the educational leaflet about screening. RESULTS: Compliance in test and control groups, positive rate of stool testing, and pathology detected were measured. Compliance was higher in men who received the leaflet in those aged 61 to 65 years (36% v 27%, chi2 = 4.0, p < 0.05) and in men aged 66 to 70 years (39% v 23%, chi2 = 9.7, p < 0.01). In women, use of the leaflet did not affect compliance in those aged either 61 to 65 years (38% v 36%, chi2 = 0.1, NS) or 66 to 70 years (31% v 31%, chi2 = 0.0, NS). The positive rate of stool testing in patients observing the required dietary restrictions was 1.6%. A significant lesion was detected in 1.4% of people tested (2 carcinomas and 5 patients with adenomatous polyps). CONCLUSIONS: Health education leaflets addressing reasons for non-compliance significantly increased compliance in men and should be used in screening programmes. Reasons for the lack of success of the leaflet in women should be investigated and other interventions for raising compliance should be developed.

Aged↗

Patient education strategies to improve pneumococcal vaccination rates: randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The pneumococcal vaccine is widely underused. Patient education is one mechanism not widely explored for increasing vaccination rates. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a culturally appropriate patient education videotape on pneumococcal vaccination rates among the clinic population of an inner-city public hospital. METHODS: Randomized, controlled trial comparing (1) a videotape-brochure group who both viewed the videotape and received a low-literacy brochure, (2) a videotape only group, and (3) a control group. RESULTS: Of 2,962 charts reviewed, 558 patients were randomized. The study population was 94% black, 73% female, and elderly (mean age 63.0 years) and 64% had less than a high school education. Patients in the videotape-brochure group were 2.5 (1.8, 3.5 95% CI) times more likely to discuss the vaccine with their physician (p < .001) and 3.5 (1.9, 6.5 95% CI) times more likely to receive the vaccine (p < .001) than the control group. The videotape-brochure group was 1.6 (1.2, 2.1 95% CI) times more likely to discuss the vaccine (p < .001) and 2.3 (1.4, 3.8 95% CI) times more likely to receive the vaccine (p = .002) than the video only group. Patients in the video only group were 1.6 (1.1, 2.3 95% CI) times more likely to discuss the vaccine with their physician than the control group (p = .041) but were not more likely to receive the vaccine. CONCLUSION: A culturally appropriate videotape along with a low-literacy brochure significantly increased pneumococcal vaccination rates and physician-patient discussion about the vaccine. These significant outcomes were not observed with use of videotape alone and were likely attributable to the effect of the brochure. We recommend that patient education initiatives to increase vaccination rates not focus solely on audiovisual media.

Aged↗

Communicating information on cardiopulmonary resuscitation to hospitalised patients.

AIM: The primary aim of the study was to evaluate two different methods of communicating information on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to patients admitted to general medical and elderly care wards. The information was either in the form of a detailed information leaflet (appendix I) or a summary document (appendix II). The study examined the willingness of patients in seeking detailed information on cardiopulmonary issues. SETTING: The study was conducted over three months on a general medical ward and an acute elderly care ward in two district general hospitals. METHODS: A detailed information leaflet on CPR was provided to the nursing staff on the wards. An A4 summary document summarising the CPR decision making process and basic information on cardiopulmonary issues was placed in a folder at the foot of each bed on the elderly care ward. On the general medical ward it was displayed prominently over the head of all beds. RESULTS: Out of the 274 patients admitted to the general medical ward only two requests were received for the detailed information leaflet. On the elderly care ward there were 182 admissions but no patients or their relatives requested the leaflet. CONCLUSIONS: Availability of basic information on cardiopulmonary resuscitation to all patients is practical and does not lead to unnecessary distress or offence to patients or their carers. It makes the decision making process more transparent. Detailed information leaflets are of value for a minority of hospitalised patients.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation↗

If you think you've got a lump, they'll screen you. Informed consent, health promotion, and breast cancer.

A great deal has been written about information that is or should be provided when seeking consent to medical research and treatment. Relatively little attention has been paid to information describing health promotion interventions. This paper critically examines some information material describing three different methods of encouraging early presentation of breast cancer in the UK: the NHS breast screening programme, breast self examination, and breast awareness. Findings from a content analysis of printed material and a series of focus group discussions that included women who speak little or no English were organised around the Department of Health's recommendations about the information which should be provided when seeking consent to treatment and research. They exposed inconsistencies, ambiguities, and gaps, which when taken together suggest both compliance and non-compliance are being achieved in the absence of informed consent. The findings also provide a starting point for a discussion about how informed consent to health promotion might be sought.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Are patient information leaflets contributing to informed consent for cataract surgery?

AIM: To assess, against a checklist of specific areas of required information and using standard published criteria, to what extent leaflets given before cataract surgery provided patients with enough information to give adequately informed consent. METHOD: Twelve ophthalmology departments in the West Midlands region were asked to submit the cataract information leaflets given to their patients at the preoperative assessment for analysis. Using criteria published by the General Medical Council, British Medical Association, and Medical Defence Union the leaflets were assessed for their contribution to informed consent for patients considering cataract surgery. Leaflets were scored according to the information they provided on: diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, costs to the patient, details about the procedure, its purpose, likely benefits, how to prepare for it, what to expect during and after the operation, and the common as well as serious complications that may occur. The readability of the information was also assessed. RESULTS: All the units' leaflets provided information on diagnosis, the lifestyle changes required postoperatively, and cost involved to the patient. Only five units had leaflets that mentioned the risks involved in cataract surgery. The other areas of information were covered by 50-75% of the leaflets. Fifty per cent of the leaflets included a diagram. The average SMOG readability score was high. CONCLUSION: Although present cataract information leaflets make some contribution to the process of informed consent, most do not address important areas outlined by the General Medical Council. Many of the areas of information that are required for informed consent could easily be covered, and should be borne in mind when designing patient information leaflets. Resources are available on the internet including toolkits, guides, and means of assessment for the production of patient information leaflets.

Cataract Extraction↗

Can the written information to research subjects be improved?--an empirical study.

OBJECTIVES: To study whether linguistic analysis and changes in information leaflets can improve readability and understanding. DESIGN: Randomised, controlled study. Two information leaflets concerned with trials of drugs for conditions/diseases which are commonly known were modified, and the original was tested against the revised version. SETTING: Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: 235 persons in the relevant age groups. MAIN MEASURES: Readability and understanding of contents. RESULTS: Both readability and understanding of contents was improved: readability with regard to both information leaflets and understanding with regard to one of the leaflets. CONCLUSION: The results show that both readability and understanding can be improved by increased attention to the linguistic features of the information.

Adult↗

Prenatal cystic fibrosis carrier testing: designing an information leaflet to meet the specific needs of the target population.

A questionnaire was given to 180 patients in an antenatal clinic, who were eligible to enter a pilot trial of cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier testing, seeking their views on the information leaflet inviting them to participate; 161 patients (89%) entered the trial and 145 patients (81%) responded to the questionnaire, including 10 who did not enter the trial. Ninety-six percent of these found the leaflet easy to understand, and 97% of those partners who read the leaflet also found it easy to understand. Fifteen percent of patients thought the leaflet should give additional information. Most (92%) had heard of CF before reading the leaflet, television being the most common source of information. Although avoiding the birth of a child with CF was the reason most patients gave for wishing to be screened, almost as many were interested to know their carrier status. The decision to accept or decline testing was taken in conjunction with their partner by 63% of women. Of those who were screened, 59% stated that taking the test made them feel reassured, while 38% felt slightly apprehensive. It was concluded that, with a number of minor amendments, the leaflet met the specific needs of the target patient population.

Attitude to Health↗

The impact of population based screening for carriers of cystic fibrosis.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the short-term effects of population based screening for carriers of cystic fibrosis. The outcome measures included perceptions of health, anxiety, and understanding of test results. Those adults aged between 18 and 45, registered with a general practice in Inner London, who accepted the offer of carrier testing, completed questionnaires before testing, upon receipt of results, and three months later. Full data were obtained from 427 with negative test results and 14 carriers. Receipt of results had no effect upon perceptions of health or perceived risk of having an abnormal baby. Those receiving a positive test result were significantly more anxious upon receipt of this result. By three months, this anxiety had dissipated. While knowledge of the test improved from before to after testing, by three months there was some decay. Although the residual risk among those with a negative result of being a carrier was given as 1:135, at least 17% of those receiving a negative result incorrectly believed that they were at no risk of having a child with cystic fibrosis. Five of the 14 receiving a positive result erroneously believed that their results meant that they probably, but not definitely, carried the gene for cystic fibrosis. In the longer term the greatest problem of population screening would appear to be one of false reassurance rather than anxiety. Longer term studies are needed to determine how well carrier status information is retained, and how carriers and carrier couples plan and respond to pregnancy and how much understanding they retain of their test results.

Adolescent↗

'Preparing for your operation'.

A patients information leaflet was introduced onto a female surgical/gynaecological ward to determine its acceptability and usefulness. By returning a questionnaire patients indicated that it was both desirable and valuable and should preferably be available before admission to hospital.

Female↗

Prevention of work related eye injuries: long term assessment of the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention among metal workers.

BACKGROUND: Systematic assessments of the effectiveness of interventions to prevent work related eye injuries are needed. AIM: To investigate the long term effectiveness of a multicomponent prevention campaign. METHODS: The campaign (conducted in collaboration with the local Employers' Association and Trade Unions) targeted all 237 metal-ware factories in the district of Imola, Italy. Based on preliminary inspections, the main intervention included distribution to all factories of specific educational brochures and broadcasting/publication of television/radio programmes and local newspaper articles containing expert advice on the subject. This was followed by a four year "post-intervention reinforcement" period of unannounced official inspections. Main outcome measures analysed were eye injury rates (versus non-eye injury rates) among metal workers during "pre-intervention" (1988-90), "peri-intervention" (1991-92), "post-intervention reinforcement" (1993-96), "late post-intervention" (1997-2000), and "very late post-intervention" (2001-03) periods with respect to two comparison sectors (construction and wood/ceramics). RESULTS: A Poisson regression in which the eye injury rates were modelled for each sector, period, and interaction, adjusting for non-eye injury rates, was chosen. The periods did not by themselves determine an overall reduction in eye injuries. The period/sector interaction terms were related to significant reductions for the metal sector when crossed with the "post-intervention reinforcement" (IRR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.97; % decline = 23.4), the "late post-intervention" (IRR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.79; % decline = 37.4), and the "very late post-intervention" (IRR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.77; % decline = 42.4) periods, suggesting a sustained reduction in eye injury risk following the main intervention. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a carefully coordinated, extensive, multicomponent intervention can lead to lasting reductions in the burden of eye injuries.

Accidents, Occupational↗

Can an information booklet on an ethnic minority increase the knowledge base of junior doctors?

Many doctors encounter people of different cultural backgrounds for the first time as patients. In Leicester a significant proportion of the area's population comes from a Gujarati and Hindu background. In an attempt to better inform junior doctors about the views and beliefs of their patients, a group of clinicians and administrators developed an information booklet about the beliefs and practices of people from this community. The impact of this booklet on a group of 54 junior doctors' knowledge was investigated over a period of one month. Such an information booklet was found to significantly increase awareness of the cultural background of patients from a minority community and this knowledge was maintained for at least one month after distribution. The study did not investigate impact on attitudes.

Clinical Competence↗

Who defaults after treatment for gonorrhoea? Randomised controlled study of effect of an educational leaflet.

A study of patients with gonorrhoea showed that those who defaulted most from follow up were male, heterosexual, and had multiple sexual partners. A prospective, blind, randomised controlled trial showed that a leaflet giving information about gonorrhoea had a positive effect on follow up attendance by women, but no appreciable effect on rates of defaulting overall. This has implications for the initial treatment schedules.

Adolescent↗

Prepackaged therapy for urethritis: the "MSTOP" experience in Cameroon.

RATIONALE: The social marketing of STD treatment may be a strategy to increase the availability of effective therapy for urethritis in male patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a pilot project of social marketing of urethritis treatment packages. The project, initially designed for over the counter sale in private pharmacies, was finally restricted by national health authorities to primary healthcare settings in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon. METHODS: Monthly sales of packages containing antibiotics, condoms, partner referral cards, and written information on STDs were monitored by the social marketing agency. Structured interviews were conducted with a sample of traceable patients who had consulted for urethritis. Structured interviews completed by focus group discussions were conducted among healthcare providers. Interview findings were further validated by a "mystery patient" survey, using surrogate patients. Lastly, 15 key informants among the decision markers involved in the project were interviewed in depth. Local independent consultants carried out the whole evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 1392 treatment packages were sold in 10 months. Patients who had purchased the package reported high compliance with the treatment, with 99% taking the single dose of cefuroxime-axetil and 83% completing the course of doxycycline. 76% notified all or some partners, and 84% of those who had sex during treatment used condoms. In contrast, only 27% of trained healthcare providers prescribed "MSTOP". They questioned the omission of laboratory diagnosis, the selection of antibiotics, and the duration of therapy. Public health authorities were also sceptical about the choice of antibiotics and viewed the initial project as an overt encouragement of self medication. CONCLUSIONS: Although the MSTOP project was not implemented in the way it had initially been designed, it highlighted the patients' interest in the product. Public health authorities in Cameroon should have been made aware of the limitations of the formal sector's response to STD care among men before over the counter sale of prepackaged therapy could have been considered as an alternative approach to inadequate self medication.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Use of a leaflet to replace verbal pretest discussion for HIV: effects and acceptability.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of using a leaflet to replace formal verbal pretest discussion and assess its acceptability to patients. SETTING AND METHODS: A leaflet was developed which gave information on all routine tests undertaken at a genitourinary medicine clinic. Information normally given during verbal pretest discussion for HIV was included. The leaflet was given to all new attenders at routine STI clinics. The proportion of patients accepting tests in the 6 weeks before and 4 weeks after the introduction of the leaflet was elicited by case note review. The acceptability of the leaflet was determined by means of a questionnaire given to patients. RESULTS: The use of the leaflet increased the number of patients offered an HIV test from 654 of 1004 (65%) patients to 371 of 397 (94%), p<0.001. It also increased the number tested from 325 (32%) of 1004 patients to 210 of 397 (53%, p<0.001). Men were more likely to be offered an HIV test than women at baseline (342 of 500 men, 68%, v 312 of 504 women, 62%, p=0.036) but after the intervention there was no longer a difference (men 217, 93%, female 154, 94%). The number of men accepting a test increased more than the number of women (139 of 233 men, 60%, 71 of 164 women, 43%, p <0.005). The 79 questionnaires suitable for analysis showed patient views on the leaflet were mainly favourable: easy to understand 73 (92%), clear 70 (89%), absence of difficult words 73 (91%), and right balance of information 68 (86%). CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of a leaflet to replace verbal pretest discussion (PTD) increased the proportion of patients undergoing testing. Part of the increased testing was because physicians were more likely to offer the test, possibly because the time constraints of pretest discussion were removed. This appears to be an acceptable and effective way of increasing HIV testing in GUM clinics but further work is needed to elicit information on non-responders to the questionnaire.

Adolescent↗

Parental education and guided self-management of asthma and wheezing in the pre-school child: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects on morbidity were examined of providing an educational intervention and a written guided self-management plan to the parents of pre-school children following a recent attendance at hospital for asthma or wheeze. METHODS: A prospective, randomised, partially blinded, controlled trial was designed at two secondary care centres. Over a 13 month period 200 children aged 18 months to 5 years at the time of admission to a children's ward or attendance at an accident and emergency department or children's (emergency) assessment unit (A&E/CAU) with a primary diagnosis of acute severe asthma or wheezing were recruited. 101 children were randomised into the control group and received usual care and 99 were assigned to the intervention group and received: (1) a pre-school asthma booklet; (2) a written guided self-management plan; and (3) two 20 minute structured educational sessions between a specialist respiratory nurse and the parent(s) and child. Subjects were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The main outcomes were GP consultation rates, hospital re-admissions, and attendances at A&E/CAU. Secondary outcomes included disability score, caregivers' quality of life, and parental knowledge of asthma. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups during the 12 month follow up period for any of the main or secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: These results do not support the hypothesis that the introduction of an educational package and a written guided self-management plan to the parents of pre-school children with asthma who had recently attended hospital for troublesome asthma or wheeze reduces morbidity over the subsequent 12 months.

Asthma↗