ObjectivesTo compare the level of information provided in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) patient information leaflets in the London and East of England DeaneriesDesignAll trusts in the London and East of England Deanery who offer an ESWL service were contacted and leaflets were comparedSettingLondon and East of England DeaneryParticipantsAlan Askari, Iqbal ShergillMain outcome measuresExamination of key information that was communicated to ESWL patients via leafletsResults12 trusts responded across the two deaneries. There was significant variation in the amount of information provided in the leaflets with some leaflets not containing an adequate level of instruction or information to patientsConclusionsThe authors propose that a national standardised information leaflet should be incorporated with the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) procedure specific information leaflet for ESWL procedures