Information Leaflets Research Articles

Physiotherapists' Perceptions of the Influence of Their Health Behaviours on Their Advice to Patients.

Background Healthcare professionals (HCPs)lifestyle behaviours can impact their health promotion counselling to patients. However, there is a lack of qualitative studies to understand the physiotherapists' perceptions of the influence of their lifestyle behaviours on their patient's advice. Aim This research aims to explore the physiotherapists' perceptions of the influence of their health behaviours on their counselling of patients. Method This research was a qualitative study based on the interpretivism paradigm. 15 virtual semi-structured interviews were performed with physiotherapists working for a private company in the United Kingdom (UK). Thematic analysiswas used to create four themes and ten sub-themes. Results 13 out of 15 participants stated that their lifestyle impacts their counselling, while for the other two, their counselling was based on their knowledge. Some drivers for health promotion included role modelling, having some knowledge concerning certain lifestyle behaviours and understanding their importance in health. Barriers to health promotion included lack of time and knowledge, some confusion if discussing some of these behaviours included in their scope of practice and perception of patients' reactions to certain questions and their relevance to the musculoskeletal (MSK) condition their patients were experiencing.Some strategies proposed to improve their health promotion skills included improvements in communication skills, discussions and sharing of evidence between peers and informative leaflets to distribute to patients. Conclusion In this study, 13 out of 15participants believed their lifestyle impacts their counselling to patients. Despite this, multiple barriers to health promotion were identified. This study highlights the need for training physiotherapists about certain lifestyle behaviours, includingsmoking cessation, alcohol misuse and basic nutrition counsellingwhich may improve their health promotion messages, potentially leading to patient behaviour change whichultimately may have a positive public health impact.

The Evaluation and Effectiveness of Regional Language Patient Information Leaflets for Persons with Chronic Kidney Disease

Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop Chronic Kidney Disease Patient Information Leaflets (CKD-PILs) to test their understandability and assess their usefulness. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational research was carried out in a dialysis unit at renowned medical care for 9 months and 140 CKD patients enrolled in the study to evaluate prepared CKD-PILs. Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) is prepared by referring to various medical database and it’s evaluated using computer-aided readability tools using the website “http://r eadabilityscore.com”. Afterward, PIL was translated into a regional language and verified by a subject expert. The design and layout were analyzed using BADL criteria and user option tests. Results: Prepared CKD-PILs found to be good design and layout as per BALD and user opinion (BALD Assamese: 27, BALD English: 28; User opinion: 82.7% for Assamese PILs and 89.2% for English PILs). The mean scores on the knowledge evaluated using user testing methods and Disease management and lifestyle-related knowledge increased from 49.08±4.16 to 80.40±5.71 (p<0.001) and is statistically significant. Conclusion: The results showed significant improvement of their lifestyle and disease-related knowledge after the implementation of PILs. The Prepared CKD-based patient information leaflets have been found to be a good and effective educational tool for CKD patients.

A Shift in Asthma Treatment According to New Guidelines: An Evaluation of Asthma Patients' Attitudes towards Treatment Change.

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has presented a shift in pharmacological asthma treatment. The objective of this study was to explore factors influencing a successful switch to a new asthma treatment approach with a focus on asthma patients' attitudes toward treatment change and supportive initiatives. This study was performed as a case study involving a quantitative questionnaire and a qualitative semi-structured interview. A total of 284 responses were collected from the questionnaire, and 141 responses were included. The results showed that asthma patients thought that effectiveness of the new treatment approach, doctor recommendation, and knowledge of the new treatment approach were the most important factors influencing treatment change considerations. Nine interviews were conducted where the main themes were barriers to a shift in asthma treatment, such as effects and side effects of the new treatment, the role of the general practitioner (GP) and conflicts in agreeing on a treatment plan; as well as facilitators to a shift in asthma treatment, such as trust in the GP and easier inhaler use. We found several supportive initiatives, such as consultation with the GP, handing out information leaflets and a consultation at the pharmacy. In conclusion, this study uniquely identified factors that may influence successful treatment shifts in asthma patients that may be instrumental in understanding similar situations in other pharmacological settings.

The Implementation of a Smart Lifejacket for Assisting Passengers in the Evacuation of Large Passenger Ships

The evacuation and abandonment of large passenger ships, involving thousands of passengers, is a safety-critical task where techniques and systems that can improve the complex decision-making process and the timely response to emergencies on board are of vital importance. Current evacuation systems and processes are based on predefined and static exit signs, information provided to the passengers in the form of evacuation drills, emergency information leaflets and public announcements systems. It is mandatory for passengers to wear lifejackets during an evacuation, which are made of buoyant or inflatable material to keep them afloat in the water. Time is the most critical attribute in ship evacuation and can significantly affect the overall evacuation process in case passengers do not reach their embarkation stations in a timely manner. Moreover, extreme conditions and hazards, such as fire or flooding, can prevent and hinder the timely evacuation process. To improve the current evacuation systems onboard large passenger ships, a smart lifejacket has been designed and implemented within the context of the project SafePASS. The proposed smart lifejacket integrates indoor localization and navigation functionality to assist passengers during the evacuation process. Once the passenger location is calculated within the ship, the navigation feature guides the passengers along an escape route using vibration motors attached to the lifejacket. This is done in the form of haptic cues to help passengers reach their destination, especially in low-visibility conditions and in case they are left behind or lost. This can increase passenger safety and reduce the total evacuation time, as well as support dynamic evacuation scenarios where the predefined routes and static exit routes may not be available due to fire or flooding incidents.

A Study on Dispensing Pattern of OTC (Over the Counter) Medication among Community Pharmacist in Kalaburagi City

Purpose: Over the counter drugs (OTC) are sold without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. There are reports that OTC drug market in India is on the rise. This is attributed to the rising cost of healthcare, difficulty in accessing healthcare, and an alarming tendency to self-manage symptoms. The outcome of this is OTC related adverse effects, abuse and hospitalizations.
 Subjects and Methods: The primary objective was to assess the knowledge of drug dispensing pattern of community pharmacists. The secondary objective was to assess the knowledge regarding drug related problems of over the counter medication. The tertiary objective was to find out whether the pharmacists involving in counselling activities. A community based, observational study was conducted among community pharmacist in Kalaburagi city, to find out knowledge on dispensing pattern of OTC medication. All the community pharmacist participated in the study were provided with a data collection form including self -structured questionnaires. One week after pre-test all the community pharmacist were educated regarding OTC drugs by means of providing information leaflets about OTC drugs. Post-test has been taken after 15 days of education by means of same questionnaires. Data were entered into Excel and analyzed using SPSS software. Pre and post intervention data were compared using student’s t-test.
 Results: Among 110 pharmacist, males 98 (89.1%) were more compared to females 12(10.9%). The mean knowledge scores on drug dispensing pattern of community pharmacist in pre-test were 57.0% and post test is 87.6%.
 Conclusions: Among 110 pharmacist, males 98 (89.1%) were more compared to females 12(10.9%). The mean knowledge scores on drug dispensing pattern of community pharmacist in pre-test were 57.0% and post test is 87.6%.

Qualitative data sharing practices in clinical trials in the UK and Ireland: towards the production of good practice guidance.

Background: Data sharing enables researchers to conduct novel research with previously collected datasets, thus maximising scientific findings and cost effectiveness, and reducing research waste. The value of sharing, even de-identified, quantitative data from clinical trials is well recognised with a moderated access approach recommended. While substantial challenges to sharing quantitative data remain, there are additional challenges for sharing qualitative data in trials. Incorporating the necessary information about how qualitative data will be shared into already complex trial recruitment and consent processes proves challenging. The aim of this study was to explore whether and how trial teams share qualitative data collected as part of the design, conduct, analysis, or delivery of clinical trials. Methods:Phase 1 involved semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews and focus groups with key trial stakeholder groups including trial managers and clinical trialists (n=3), qualitative researchers in trials (n=9), members of research funding bodies (n=2) and trial participants (n=1). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. In Phase 2, we conducted a content analysis of 16 participant information leaflets (PIL) and consent forms (CF) for trials that collected qualitative data. Results: Three key themes were identified from our Phase 1 findings: ' Understanding and experiences of the potential benefits of sharing qualitative data from trials', 'Concerns about qualitative data sharing', and ' Future guidance and funding'. In phase 2, the PILs and CFs received revealed that the benefits of data sharing for participants were only explained in two of the study documents. Conclusions: The value of sharing qualitative data was acknowledged, but there are many uncertainties as to how, when, and where to share this data. In addition, there were ethical concerns in relation to the consent process required for qualitative data sharing in trials. This study provides insight into the existing practice of qualitative data sharing in trials.

The Difference of COVID-19 Vaccination Attitude, Preventive Measures and Knowledge of SARS-COV-2 Between Diabetic Patients and Healthy Citizens in China.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease has become an evolving global health crisis with wide-ranging implications. Clinical researches from several countries have reported greater morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 patients with diabetes. SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccines are currently the relatively effective means of prevention. The research was aimed to explore the attitudes of diabetic patients towards COVID-19 vaccine and the knowledge of COVID-19 related epidemiology and epidemic prevention. This case-control study was carried out in China via online and offline surveys. Knowledge questionnaire of COVID-19 and drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale (DrVac-COVID19S) were used to compare the difference of COVID-19 vaccination attitude, preventive measures, and knowledge of SARS-COV-2 between diabetic patients and healthy citizens. The diabetic patients showed lower vaccination willingness and insufficient knowledge of the transmission route and common symptoms of COVID-19. Only 60.99% diabetic patients were willing to be vaccinated. Less than half of diabetics knew the COVID-19 spread by surface touch (34.04%) or aerosol (20.57%). The common symptoms like shortness of breath/ anorexia/ fatigue/ nausea/vomiting/diarrhea (34.04%) and panic and chest tightness (19.15%) were not well comprehend too. Diabetes patients shown lower report intentions when they contact a person infected with the virus (81.56%) or have any of the disease symptoms (74.47%). Values, knowledge, and autonomy assessed by the DrVac-COVID19S scale also showed negative attitude of vaccination in patients with diabetes. Also, patient with diabetes pay less attention to national (56.03%) and international (51.77%) COVID-19 updates. The willingness to attend COVID-19 lectures (27.66%) or read information leaflets (70.92%) was low. Vaccination is the effective available method for preventing the virus. Social and medical workers can increase the vaccination of diabetic patients through knowledge's popularization and patient's education based on the above differences.

Refining and optimising a behavioural intervention to support endocrine therapy adherence (ROSETA) in UK women with breast cancer: protocol for a pilot fractional factorial trial

IntroductionWomen with breast cancer who do not adhere to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) have increased risks of mortality and recurrence. There are multiple barriers to AET adherence, including medication side-effects,...

INFLUENCE OF SUBJECTIVE FACTORS OVER HYGIENE HABITS OF COMPLETE DENTURE WEARERS

Background: Hygiene of the complete dentures is closely related to the oral and general health status of patients. Different factors can impact hygiene habits of complete denture wearers.There not agreement of opinion about the most significant subjective factor. The aim of this research was to study the hygiene habits of the complete denture wearers and the influence of some factors as age, sex and education over patients behaviour. Material and Method: Subjects of observation in the study were 110 (48 men and 62 women) complete dentures wearers, aged 52 to 84. Questionnaire and information leaflet were created. The questionnaire contained 16 questions concerning the manners for hygiene maintenance of dentures and oral cavity, the sources of the information about the hygiene care and the score of the leaflet by the patient. Results: Washing dentures with water, soap and toothbrush was reported as preferred method for cleaning (32.73%).42.73% of participants were not provided with information about hygiene care for dentures. Significant correlation was established between patients education and: method for hygiene maintenance of the dentures (r = 0.5754) hygiene care of the oral cavity (r = 0.6395) use of additional means for disinfection of dentures (r = 0.6489). Conclusion: Within the range of this study we could conclude that the education is the more significant factor that impacts patients hygiene habits. The age is not determinative factor, whereas the sex of patients can impact their choice of methods and the frequency of hygiene procedures.

N21 Patient education is (sometimes) better than cure

Abstract Background About half of all patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) experience Extra Intestinal Manifestations (EIMs)1. One of these EIMs are non-inflammatory joint complaints. Preliminary research2 has shown that IBD patients treated by Amsterdam university medical centers (UMC) experience a lack in pre-symptomatic patient education regarding these complaints. The patients interviewed in this preliminary study were all unaware of the possible development of these joint complaints in addition to their IBD. Methods A practice-oriented study was set up. Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques were used. Literature research into innovations for patient education was performed. Questionnaires were distributed among IBD patients in Amsterdam UMC to identify wishes and needs regarding patient education about non-inflammatory joint complaints. To determine how this education is provided elsewhere, questionnaires were distributed among caregivers of IBD patients in other Dutch hospitals. Results According to literature research, verbal education, information leaflets, informational websites, group education and educational programs contribute to an increased knowledge of disease in IBD patients. Surveyed IBD patients from Amsterdam UMC wish to be informed about non-inflammatory joint complaints via verbal education or by information leaflets and/or internet. Of the surveyed caregivers in other Dutch hospitals, the majority do not have educational materials and/or methods about (non-inflammatory) joint complaints. Information is given verbally by most of them. The innovation is an information leaflet entitled 'Joint complaints in IBD'. This can be used to support verbal patient education and can be used as a reference work. The leaflet is also offered via internet. Conclusion Offering the information leaflet 'Joint complaints in IBD' is an appropriate innovation that meets the wishes of IBD patients in Amsterdam UMC with regard to patient education about non-inflammatory joint complaints. The leaflet is preferably used to support verbal patient education and is subsequently given to the IBD patient as a reference work or offered via the internet. Content optimization is recommended. Afterwards, a pilot implementation can be set up. After implementation, further research is recommended to investigate whether the innovation actually contributes to optimization of pre-symptomatic patient education about non-inflammatory joint complaints.

The potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in clinical pharmacology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) involves using data and algorithms to perform activities normally achieved through human intelligence. AI and its key component machine learning contextualize data and enhance decision making to transform how we operate, discover, and develop drugs. Transforming clinical pharmacology (CP) as AI-augmented CP (AI/CP) requires an ecosystem including digitized data collection, standardized processes, complementary technologies, and an ethical framework. This commentary aims to highlight the future perspectives of AI/CP in drug development.

N31 Nothing about us, without us: Developing a reliable IBD information source on sexual well-being by patients and for patients

Abstract Background Patients with IBD have knowledge and expertise regarding their disease and can contribute to research and information for other patients. Research suggests that despite IBD having a significant impact on the sexual well-being (SWB) of patients, there is a lack of reliable sources of information on this topic, and it is rarely discussed in clinical consultations. 1. This patient engagement project aimed to cover some of the information deemed important to patients. Methods This project was a co-production with patients to provide a reliable source of information for the previously neglected topic of SWB and IBD. Four volunteers living with IBD from a diverse population, collaborated with researchers over four months. They had 6 online group discussion sessions lasting approximately one hour each. They highlighted themes (fig 1) within the broader topic of sex and relationships that they thought should be addressed in an information resource, based on their own past experiences, or what was missing from reliable websites. Volunteers produced a document that was vetted by researchers, and this became the website content. Results The outcome of the project was a free to access website which contains SWB information. Patient experience quotes were considered by volunteers as important. A selection of anonymous patient quotations which provided experiences of IBD impact on SWB were also chosen by the volunteers to be included in the information resource. A psycho-sexual therapist reviewed the content and provided an additional information resource in a PDF form, useful for both patients and healthcare professionals, which can be downloaded. A feedback function is included, where users can ask anonymous questions or make suggestions to be incorporated on the website. Website traffic metrics were collected and showed that within the first two weeks of the website being launched, 511 people engaged with the content and 41 downloaded the information leaflet. This data was used as an initial testing for the platform. Website will be updated yearly based on the feedback received. Conclusion This project highlighted the importance of resources on the often-neglected topic of SWB in IBD, to improve quality of life for people with IBD. Co-production with patients to create an information resource corroborates their valuable contribution to the topics important to patients. It also demonstrates how this partnership is necessary to create relatable and needed information for patients. The feedback function of the website provides the opportunity for further input from patients, ensuring that research can continue to be informed by them.

The study of pharmaceutical awareness of the population as the modern society need in the rational use of medicines

Aim. To study pharmaceutical awareness of the population in the rational use of medicines using innovative marketing tools.
 Materials and methods. The results of an electronic survey of visitors to pharmacies using questionnaires of the author’s social project “Important facts about medicines” implemented by pharmacies are presented. The data analysis was accompanied by the use of sociological survey methods, descriptive statistics, graphic analysis, grouping methods and generalization of data.
 Results. Based on the data generalization the existing correlation between the level of involving pharmacy visitors in the project with the interest in obtaining important facts about medicines was found. According to the number of responses provided by visitors during the project implementation, it can be argued that the most attractive was the information about the impact of medicines while driving, and half as attractive were the facts about the peculiarities of using medicines for children. It was determined that the most general important facts about medicines were well-known for the project participants; on average 53 % of respondents had a sufficient level of awareness. Thus, the highest level of awareness was determined regarding the side effects in case of simultaneous use of medicines and alcohol; increased blood pressure in case of medicines containing caffeine; strict compliance with the patient information leaflet for taking medicines. A sufficient number of project participants (44 % of the total number of pharmacy visitors who responded) indicated that they were aware of the facts about the peculiarities of using medicines for children under one year of age. The level of pharmaceutical awareness of pharmacy visitors concerning important facts about the effects of medicines on the human body while driving was the lowest; it was 33% among all pharmacy visitors who responded. For example, pharmacy visitors were not aware of what antihistamines should not be taken by drivers.
 Conclusions. Based on the analysis a high level of self-motivation of visitors to expand the range of important knowledge about medicines and the effectiveness of innovative marketing tools to create pharmaceutical awareness of the population in issues of the rational use of medicines has been revealed.
 Key words: pharmaceutical information; pharmaceutical awareness of the population; responsible self-medication; social project.

Acceptability, fidelity and trial experience of four intervention components to support medication adherence in women with breast cancer: A process evaluation protocol for a pilot fractional factorial trial

Background The Refining and Optimising a behavioural intervention to Support Endocrine Therapy Adherence (ROSETA) programme has developed four intervention components aiming to improve medication adherence in women with early-stage breast cancer. These are (a) text messages, (b) information leaflet, (c) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based guided self-help (ACT), (d) side-effect management website. Guided by the Multiphase Optimisation Strategy, our pilot trial will use a fractional factorial design to evaluate the feasibility of undertaking a larger optimisation trial. The pilot will include a process evaluation to maximise learning regarding the fidelity and acceptability of the intervention components before proceeding with a larger trial. The trial process evaluation has three aims: to assess the (1) fidelity and (2) acceptability of the intervention components; and (3) to understand participant’s trial experience, and barriers and facilitators to recruitment and retention. Methods The process evaluation will use multiple methods. Fidelity of the intervention components will be assessed using self-reported questionnaire data, trial data on intervention component adherence, and observations of the ACT sessions. Acceptability of the intervention components and trial experience will be explored using an acceptability questionnaire and interviews with patients and trial therapists. Trial experience will be assessed using a questionnaire and interviews with participants, while barriers and facilitators to recruitment and retention will be assessed using a questionnaire completed by research nurses and participant interviews. The pilot trial opened for recruitment on 20th May 2022 and was open at the time of submission. Conclusions This process evaluation will provide information regarding whether the intervention components can be delivered with fidelity within a national healthcare setting and are acceptable to participants. We will also better understand participant experience in a pilot trial with a fractional factorial design, and any barriers and facilitators to recruitment and retention. Registration ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN10487576, 16/12/2021).

Challenges encountered by pharmacy staff in using prescription medication labels during medication counselling with older adults and solutions employed: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundPrescription medication labels (PMLs) predominantly dispensed in English, are an important adjunct to medication counselling. PMLs are routinely used by pharmacy staff to counsel older adults about their medications. This study sought to identify challenges that pharmacy staff observe older adults face in using their PMLs, and to identify and quantify solutions employed by pharmacy staff during medication counselling to address such challenges. MethodsTen in-depth interviews were done with primary care pharmacy staff to gather the range of challenges and solutions. Subsequently, a quantitative survey, informed by the qualitative findings, was administered to 121 pharmacy staff to assess if the reported solutions were commonly used. ResultsThe two main challenges were incongruity between PML language (English) and older adults' language proficiency, and poor PML legibility. The solutions, classified under three themes, were simplifying medication information on PMLs, supplementing PMLs with additional medication information and mitigating poor readability. ConclusionsPharmacy staff observed challenges faced by older adults in using PMLs during medication counselling. Ad-hoc improvisations by pharmacy staff to PMLs were pervasive. System-level PML improvements, such as provision of legible bilingual medication instructions, pharmaceutical pictograms and additional medication information, through patient information leaflets or using quick response (QR) codes on PMLs, should be considered. This will facilitate patient-provider communication, especially in settings with language dissonance between PMLs and patients.

1294 ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF FRAILTY: A SURVEY OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract Introduction By 2030, it is estimated that 25% of Europeans will be aged over 65. [Dugarova; UN Development Programme; 2017] Frailty in this group is a key contributor to poorer outcomes. [Eamer; BMC Anesthesiology; 2017; 17:99] The term is common in healthcare but research into the issues faced by staff around assessment and management of frailty has been limited. We undertook a survey to identify challenges faced in providing care to those living with frailty and considered potential interventions. Method The survey was across three hospitals in our health board (which serves a population of around 390,000 with a range of services). [SBUHB;2022] It was developed iteratively through consultation in a multidisciplinary group and adapted questions from other similar validated surveys. [Eamer; BMC Anesthesiology; 2017; 17:99][Taylor; Future Healthcare Journal; 2017; 4(3):207-212]. Results 218 responses were received covering a variety of medical and surgical specialties. Participants showed a strong (80%) self-reported understanding of frailty as a clinical concept, but only 46% felt confident in their ability to assess patients for frailty. 74% stated they would benefit from more education on frailty. Other barriers included systemic challenges such as staffing and social care, but also a lack of understanding of frailty by patients and relatives which impacted shared decision-making. Conclusions The survey showed a significant demand for more education, especially awareness of pathways and assessment methods. It also highlighted the issue of patients’ (and relatives’) lack of understanding of frailty. In response, we are planning a targeted multi-disciplinary educational programme on frailty across the health board, as well as introducing patient information leaflets.

Patients’ Awareness and Knowledge of Their Ophthalmic Condition at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)

Purpose: To assess patient’s awareness of their ophthalmic conditions following their clinic visits with the aim of improving communication between patients and health practitioners and enhancing care. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional quantitative survey carried out in subjects over 18 years of age, attending the Guinness Eye Centre Clinic (Lagos University Teaching Hospital) over a four week period in 2019. Results: A total of 250 subjects were surveyed. Male:Female 1:1.7 Age range 41-80 years. 42.4% had at least tertiary education. Although the majority of subjects (>70%) had enough time to ask questions from their doctors/nurses, 76.8% did not know the diagnosis of their ophthalmic conditions, 43.8% didn’t know their treatment options, and 62% did not know the names of their eye drops. 95.2% of subjects, however agreed that a simple information leaflet explaining their ophthalmic condition and treatment will increase their understanding. Patients with tertiary education or higher are three times more likely to have knowledge of the condition and treatment compared with patients with lesser education. Odds ratio 3.07 CI:1.82 to 5.19 P < 0.0001. Conclusion: Clinics should have counsellors who can spend more time to discuss with patients about their ophthalmic conditions. Information leaflets (in different languages) on different common medical conditions which include; Cataract, Glaucoma, Pterygium, should be printed in the simplest of language for patients to not only hear but also read to assimilate and enhance awareness in patients.

Patients’ Awareness and Knowledge of Their Ophthalmic Condition at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)

Purpose: To assess patient’s awareness of their ophthalmic conditions following their clinic visits with the aim of improving communication between patients and health practitioners and enhancing care. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional quantitative survey carried out in subjects over 18 years of age, attending the Guinness Eye Centre Clinic (Lagos University Teaching Hospital) over a four week period in 2019. Results: A total of 250 subjects were surveyed. Male:Female 1:1.7 Age range 41-80 years. 42.4% had at least tertiary education. Although the majority of subjects (>70%) had enough time to ask questions from their doctors/nurses, 76.8% did not know the diagnosis of their ophthalmic conditions, 43.8% didn’t know their treatment options, and 62% did not know the names of their eye drops. 95.2% of subjects, however agreed that a simple information leaflet explaining their ophthalmic condition and treatment will increase their understanding. Patients with tertiary education or higher are three times more likely to have knowledge of the condition and treatment compared with patients with lesser education. Odds ratio 3.07 CI:1.82 to 5.19 P < 0.0001. Conclusion: Clinics should have counsellors who can spend more time to discuss with patients about their ophthalmic conditions. Information leaflets (in different languages) on different common medical conditions which include; Cataract, Glaucoma, Pterygium, should be printed in the simplest of language for patients to not only hear but also read to assimilate and enhance awareness in patients.

Educating Parents about Fever in Childhood Evaluation of the Effect of an Information Leaflet

Fever is an important immune reaction of the body in infections and plays a major role in childhood. Fear and uncertainty in dealing with fever are still widespread among parents. Information leaflets on the knowledge and handling of fever in childhood can serve as an educational tool for parents. It has not yet been investigated whether this type of information transfer is a suitable tool for educating parents. 16 kindergartens in Saarland were visited. 481 parents of at least one child between the ages of 1 and 7 years answered a questionnaire on knowledge, approach and handling of fever in infections. Subsequently, an information leaflet on fever was handed out. On the following day, the questionnaire was answered again by the 190 parents who had read the information leaflet. The change due to reading the information leaflet was analyzed. 40% of the participants read the information leaflet. 87% mothers and 13% fathers participated in the follow-up survey. 10% of the post-survey respondents had a secondary school diploma and 34% had a university degree. After reading, fever was considered useful significantly more often and febrile convulsions and consequential damage were mentioned significantly less often as a reason for fever reduction. Information leaflets on fever can be a complementary tool for education, the short-term effect is confirmed, the sustainability needs to be further evaluated. There is also a need to reach the majority.

What Is the Benefit of Adding Placebo Side-Effect Information to Positively Framed Patient Leaflets?

Abstract: Background: Positively framing side-effect risk in patient information leaflets (PILs) can reduce side-effect expectations and resulting nocebo effects (nonspecific medication side effects unrelated to the drug’s pharmacological action). There is scope to educate patients about nocebo effects in PILs to minimize their occurrence further. Aims: To investigate if incorporating information on placebo-reported side effects reduces side-effect expectations compared to a positively framed-only or standard PIL. Methods: Participants ( N = 443) completed an online study and were randomized to read one of three PILs for a hypothetical antibiotic: standard PIL ( n = 140), positively framed PIL ( n = 151), or positively framed PIL with placebo side-effect information ( n = 152). Participants’ side-effect expectations, absolute risk perceptions, and intended adherence were recorded. Results: The standard PIL resulted in significantly higher side-effect expectations compared to the positively framed + placebo side-effect information PIL. Including the placebo side-effect results had no effect on side-effect expectations compared to the positive framing only PIL, however, there was a significant interaction between health literacy and PIL condition on side-effect expectations. Both positively framed PILs produced more accurate risk estimates for the more common side effects. There was no difference in intended adherence between the three PILs. Limitations: Our findings are limited by the highly educated sample and hypothetical context. Conclusions: There was no benefit of adding placebo side-effect information, however alternative ways of explaining nocebo effects in PILs should be explored utilizing clinical contexts and samples with a wider range of participant ages, and health literacy.