Patient Information Booklet Research Articles

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

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. The aim of the study was to develop an evidence-based information booklet for patients and relatives preparing for transfer from intensive care units. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

1234 An information and communication booklet for hematological patients

1234 An information and communication booklet for hematological patients

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

To assess the significance of patients' input in the elaboration of a patient information booklet. Qualitative study based on focus group discussions. Centre Léon Bérard, a comprehensive cancer centre in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. (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. 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. The focus group proposed numerous, significant modifications to answer requests for additional information, clarification and better readability in the information booklets. 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.

Patient information booklets for Asian patients with ulcerative colitis.

Our aim was to address the information requirements for ulcerative colitis patients from Asian ethnic minorities in Leicester city. We sought to determine if the information leaflets provided in English could be successfully employed when translated into the common South Asian languages. A postal survey determined the initial demand for information leaflets, offering the leaflet in English, Hindi, Gujarati or Punjabi. Follow up questionnaires were again by post and subsequently by telephone contact. All patients found the leaflets useful, but felt that doctors should do more to help with language problems. On reading the leaflets, sixty-six percent of patients experienced reduced levels of anxiety or no change, whereas thirty-three percent found increased levels of anxiety. Nearly two-thirds of patients felt there was insufficient or satisfactory information in the leaflets. The final response rate for returning the questionnaire was 53%. The leaflets were generally well received, but there may be a role for increased detail, which may in turn reduce anxiety levels. The low response rates highlight the difficulty of communication with this group, suggesting that we need to make more resources available to these patients.

Patient information booklets for Asian patients with ulcerative colitis

Patient information booklets for Asian patients with ulcerative colitis

Patient information booklets for Asian patients with ulcerative colitis

Our aim was to address the information requirements for ulcerative colitis patients from Asian ethnic minorities in Leicester city. We sought to determine if the information leaflets provided in English could be successfully employed when translated into the common South Asian languages. A postal survey determined the initial demand for information leaflets, offering the leaflet in English, Hindi, Gujarati or Punjabi. Follow up questionnaires were again by post and subsequently by telephone contact. All patients found the leaflets useful, but felt that doctors should do more to help with language problems. On reading the leaflets, sixty-six percent of patients experienced reduced levels of anxiety or no change, whereas thirty-three percent found increased levels of anxiety. Nearly two-thirds of patients felt there was insufficient or satisfactory information in the leaflets. The final response rate for returning the questionnaire was 53%. The leaflets were generally well received, but there may be a role for increased detail, which may in turn reduce anxiety levels. The low response rates highlight the difficulty of communication with this group, suggesting that we need to make more resources available to these patients. Public Health (2001) 115, 418–420.

The development and validation of a patient-information booklet on ureteric stents.

To report a scientific approach incorporating patient preferences towards the development of a patient-information booklet about ureteric stents. Phase 1 of the study included 35 adult patients with ureteric stents who were surveyed using semi-structured interviews (four patients) and a questionnaire (31 patients) to assess various issues relating to information given to patients about ureteric stents. In addition, published papers were assessed and clinicians' opinions sought. The results formed the basis for a comprehensive patient-information booklet about ureteric stents that incorporated patients' views and preferences. In phase 2, the booklet was tested and formally validated by inviting 30 patients, a panel of 20 urologists and general practitioners, and five stent manufacturers to assess the booklet for adequacy, coverage and readability of the content. Of the 35 patients, 30 (19 men and 11 women, mean age 49 years, range 20-78) participated in the initial survey; 80% of patients reported dissatisfaction about the information they received. Patients wanted more information about the use, adverse events and effects of stents on daily life; 85% preferred all relevant information about the stents to be in a written format with illustrative drawings. An eight-page booklet was thus developed. The validation study revealed that the booklet matched patients' experiences (approval score of 9/10, range 8-10) and was reported as satisfactory by clinicians and manufacturers. A validated information booklet on ureteric stents was developed, incorporating patients' expectations and views. This booklet is expected to be an effective tool for patient communication that would help patients cope better with indwelling stents and be useful in counselling patients. A similar approach could be adopted for the development of other patient-information packs.

Do patient information booklets increase perioperative anxiety?

Patient attitudes to medical information are changing. We audited patient attitudes to an information leaflet provided at the preadmission clinic as part of standard day-case protocol. The booklet is a simplified version of the booklet Anaesthesia and Anaesthetists – Information for Patients and Relatives published in London, UK, by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland. One hundred and three patients were surveyed before surgery over a 2-month period using an anonymous questionnaire. Of the 96% of patients who read the booklet provided, 99% found it helpful to some degree. Thirty-five per cent of patients found it worried them. Thirty-two per cent discussed the information with others but only 3% discussed the information provided with the anaesthetist. Although patients like to receive information about the process of anaesthesia, we must be careful that by providing it in an inappropriate form, e.g. as a leaflet, we do not increase their preoperative anxiety.

Do patient information booklets increase perioperative anxiety?

Patient attitudes to medical information are changing. We audited patient attitudes to an information leaflet provided at the preadmission clinic as part of standard day-case protocol. The booklet is a simplified version of the booklet Anaesthesia and Anaesthetists--Information for Patients and Relatives published in London, UK, by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland. One hundred and three patients were surveyed before surgery over a 2-month period using an anonymous questionnaire. Of the 96% of patients who read the booklet provided, 99% found it helpful to some degree. Thirty-five per cent of patients found it worried them. Thirty-two per cent discussed the information with others but only 3% discussed the information provided with the anaesthetist. Although patients like to receive information about the process of anaesthesia, we must be careful that by providing it in an inappropriate form, e.g. as a leaflet, we do not increase their preoperative anxiety.

Assessment of impact of information booklets on use of healthcare services: randomised controlled trial

Objectives: To investigate the effect of patient information booklets on overall use of health services, on particular types of use, and on possible interactions between use, deprivation category of the...

An information and communication booklet for patients with cancer

An information and communication booklet for patients with cancer

Empowering the cancer patient with pain by the use of a patient information booklet on analgesia

Empowering the cancer patient with pain by the use of a patient information booklet on analgesia

Constructing information booklets for day-case patients

As modern surgical and anaesthetic techniques develop even greater capabilities, the time in which to adequately undertake such nurse/patient discussions has past and will never return. Information provision is thus a challenge for day surgery. Many studies have suggested patients require differing levels of information i.e. full, partial and minimal disclosure. Future information booklets may need to be constructed in a more patient centred manner. This article attempts to provide a methodical approach to the required level of information, a guide to the construction of information booklets and suggestions for their application in day surgery.

Evaluating radiotherapy patients' need for information: a study using a patient information booklet] .

The French Radiotherapy-Oncology Society (SFRO) and the National Trade of Radiotherapists-Oncologists (SNRO) elaborated and published a patient information booklet on radiotherapy, in 1999. This present study appraises the pertinence of the form and substance of this booklet one year after its release. Eight radiotherapy centers participated in this research which evaluated 162 patients at treatment initiation. The conclusions of this study demonstrated the importance of clearly informing patients of their disease, treatment, and the secondary effects of treatment. It is essential to emphasize that 97% of the patients declared that an information booklet is a real necessity, and that the one provided by the SFRO responds to the majority of their concerns. Obtaining technical and practical knowledge resulted in a reassurance about their treatment. The most revealing result is that 87% requested direct communication about their illness, and that cancer be named by this word and not other, evasive terms. Seventy-two percent of the patients requested more information about their cancer, different treatment options, and quality of life issues in an attempt to psychologically prepare themselves to face an illness for which they have little control. Patients refuse to be passive, and claim the right to become 'partners' of the medical teams, concerning their treatment and recovery.

Information booklets for patients with major bowel resection.

This article highlights the importance of providing information that meets the needs of surgical patients. Focus group interviews were used to ask patients who had undergone major bowel surgery what information they felt was required to help prepare someone for this experience. A group of patients who had recently had bowel surgery were interviewed by two facilitators. This technique allowed the participants to identify and verify the issues of concern and to originate new ideas through group discussion. The participants identified many issues that would not have been considered by the authors, issues that were used to form the content of three information booklets for patients having bowel surgery.

Postal consent for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

BACKGROUNDStandards 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...

Customer focus: patient, organization and EQuIP in collaboration. Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program.

The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program (EQuIP) calls on healthcare organizations to increase their focus on patients by using leadership to coordinate, and continuous improvement to guide, care delivery. At a large acute care private facility in Melbourne, a program has been developed to create a 'care partnership', characterized by shared decision making, collaboration and conciliation. This program enhances patient care through the coordination of three strategies, a patient communication strategy, an evaluation strategy and a quality improvement strategy. The program has resulted in patient guided reforms such as redesign of a patient information booklet, a hospital-wide discharge planning improvement initiative and a hospital-wide strategy to improve pain management. Through the creation of a care partnership, this program helps an acute care hospital focus its services and processes on one of its key customer groups, patients.

Struggling toward easier endoscopy

Struggling toward easier endoscopy

Non-epileptic attack disorder and clinical outcome: a pilot study

Of the total population admitted over a 12-month period to a tertiary referral epilepsy centre for assessment of their seizure disorder, a high percentage were diagnosed with non-epileptic attack disorder. A retrospective analysis of these patients revealed that although intensive therapy and support was offered during the period of admission, the long-term resources for further management post-discharge were inadequate and in some cases non-existent. The implications for patient satisfaction with the service being offered are discussed and a patient information booklet produced in response to the findings is available by writing to the first author (H.R.).

Patient-held oncology records.

Here, the author describes how an information booklet for oncology patients was developed. The booklet's positive reception suggests that the idea could be used in other settings.