Printed Information Materials Research Articles

Are Printed Transit Information Materials a Significant Barrier to Transit Use?

This study investigated the extent to which the lack of ability to use printed transit information materials correctly to plan transit trips is a barrier to transit use. A total of 180 people were asked to undertake two transit trip-planning assignments, each requiring the use of a system map, two route maps, and two schedules.The study found that only 52.5 percent of the sample, composed of both transit users and nonusers, was able to plan a transit trip successfully using standard printed information materials. The main problems existed at the latter stages of the trip-planning process involving schedule use (55.6% success rate). Although printed information materials were the most popular trip-planning media for transit users, more than half stated that they did not use this method to plan their trips.Additional questioning suggested that a relationship between transit trip-planning ability and transit use does exist. However, it was also found that while lack of information material comprehension is a problem, it is not a primary barrier to transit use—none of the nontransit users cited lack of transit trip-planning ability as their main reason for not using transit. Furthermore, a wide range of other information resources is available for transit users to choose from if they are uncomfortable with printed media.

Carers’ needs assessment for patients with dementia in Ghana

BackgroundCarers of people with dementia (PWD) face a myriad of challenges. As dementia prevalence surges in the sub-Saharan population, the provision of data on the met and unmet needs of caregivers has become paramount.AimThis study aimed to identify the needs of carers of older adults living with dementia in Ghana.SettingThis study was conducted in Kumasi, Ghana, among participants ≥ 18 years old, serving as carers for PWD.MethodsThis was a multicentre cross-sectional study involving carers of patients (≥ 50 years) with dementia. The authors administered the Carer’s Needs Assessment for Dementia (CNA-D) questionnaire, containing 18 problem areas with interventions for each problem area. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to establish a relationship between demographic characteristics, problem areas and intervention score.ResultsFifty participants were recruited with a mean age of 48.8 (± 16.9) years, 72.0% were female participants and 98.0% were family members of PWD. The problem area most frequently identified as no/mild problem was ‘legal issues’ (92.0%, n = 46), and ‘lack of information about dementia’ was assessed as severe (48.0%, n = 24). The commonest unmet need was ‘printed information material’ (84.0%, n = 42), and the commonest met need was ‘diagnosis and treatment of carer by a general practitioner’ (42.0%, n = 21). There was a statistically negative correlation between age of carer and number of unmet needs (r = −0.308, p = 0.011) and a positive correlation between problem area score and number of unmet needs (r = 0.308, p = 0.030).ConclusionEffective public education and provision of information on dementia to carers are essential interventions needed to equip them in performing their roles.ContributionCarers in this study revealed that they lacked information on dementia but their commonest met need was accessibility to their general practitioner. This highlights the importance of promoting knowledge and awareness of dementia among primary care practitioners.

Preventive and health-promoting activities in general practices in Germany: A scoping review.

General practices are rooted in the local community and considered to be particularly well-positioned for engaging in preventive and health-promoting activities. The overall aim of the scoping review is to identify priorities and gaps in research published in the past 20years on preventive and health-promoting activities provided by general practitioners or their teams in general practices in Germany. MEDLINE and Embase databases were systematically searched in November 2020. Papers were selected in dual-review mode and extracted in single-review mode. Data analysis was finished by May 2021. In total, 530 papers were included in the synthesis. Little research has been carried out into collaboration opportunities both within the general practice team and in communities as a whole, with specialists (18%), hospitals (9%), and health insurance companies (6%) being the most frequent cooperation partners of GPs. 15%-20% of papers each dealt with 'early detection', 'information provision' and 'cardiovascular prevention'. Secondary (53%) and tertiary prevention (43%) was more often the subject of research than primary (39%) and quaternary prevention (15%). Healthy subjects (26%) were less often studied than people with pre-existing conditions (42%) and risk factors (48%). Little information was available on preventive activities in terms of gender, young people, migration background, housing conditions or educational background. Personal counselling (15%) was the most frequently described approach to health promotion in general practices, along with printed information materials (10%). This scoping review provides information on which to base targeted interventions and future research that can contribute towards transforming general practices into promoters of health within the community.

Preparing printed information materials to share speech-language pathology and audiology promotion and recommendations with health professionals

Preparing printed information materials to share speech-language pathology and audiology promotion and recommendations with health professionals

The Case of Cyprus: The Psychosocial Needs of Women Living With MBC

Background: According to international research, it has been found that women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have different needs and live different realities than other women. It has been our observation that this is also the case within the Cypriot community, where these realities are often overlooked and rarely discussed, as ignorance, stigma and cultural taboos make women with MBC hide in the shadows. Even though the Republic of Cyprus offers a high standard of medical services for cancer patients, it has been identified that there is more focus on primary breast cancer. Despite the high level of knowledge and advocacy in Cyprus the number of women living with MBC has not been recorded in the National Cancer Registry, therefore the general incidence of MBC in Cyprus remains unknown. Aim: The project recognizes the research gap in understanding the needs of women with MBC in Cyprus, and therefore aims to raise awareness and voice their experiences. The objective is to generate a databank of the experiences and needs of women with MBC that may be a stepping stone in ensuring that MBC is embedded in national cancer strategies. Also, the project aims to improve accessibility to information on MBC and contribute in the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer in Cyprus. The knowledge obtained from this initiative aims to empower patients and advocacy groups. Methods: The project is based on a collaboration between researchers from Europa Donna Cyprus, the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, and the University of Nicosia. This project will recruit MBC patients from all over Cyprus and will use a mixed methods approach. Initially, researchers will assess the quality of life of MBC patients using the SF-36 Measuring Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS. In the second phase, patients will be invited to take part in a qualitative study based on individual interviews regarding their experience of living with MBC. The data obtained will be analyzed using the interpretive phenomenological analysis method. Results: We are currently in the process of data collection and we expect to obtain results by summer 2018. Conclusion: It is expected that the data analysis will offer insight into the lived experiences of women with MBC, identify any challenges that they might face, and what coping strategies women use to overcome them. This knowledge can then be translated and implemented into awareness campaigns, conferences, electronic and printed information materials, but more importantly used as leverage in advocating and influencing decision makers to take actions and adjust national strategies in relation to MBC. Finally, we expect that this project will motivate other researchers to engage into further research of the experience of MBC in Cyprus. Disclosure: Dr. S. Christodoulidou received grant/research sponsorship for this project by SPARC UICC/PFIZER.

Training chiropractic students in weight management counseling using standardized patients.

The aim of this study was to describe and assess an activity that trained chiropractic students to counsel patients on weight management through the use of standardized patients. This was a descriptive study using mixed methods. Students were trained to apply health behavior theory and the transtheoretical model. Standardized patients were given a case to portray with the students. Students had 15 minutes for the encounter. The encounters were assessed in 2 ways: (1) standardized patients answered a brief questionnaire about the students' performance, and (2) students answered a questionnaire about the utility of the intervention. Numerical data were extracted from the audiovisual management platform, and statistics were computed for each question. Comments made by students and patients were transferred verbatim for content analysis. A total of 102 students took part in the activity. Students' performance in the encounter was uniformly high, with over 90% "yes" responses to all questions except "gave me printed information material" and "discussed the printed material with me." The key issue identified in the comments by standardized patients was that students tended not to connect weight management with their chief complaint (low back pain). Nearly all students (97%) thought the activity would be useful to their future practice, and 97% felt it had increased their confidence in providing weight management counseling. This experiential activity was assessed to be useful to students' future practice and appeared to provide them with skills to successfully communicate with patients on weight management.

Accessibility of standardized information of a national colorectal cancer screening program for low health literate screening invitees: A mixed method study

ObjectiveTo explore the accessibility of standardized printed information materials of the national Dutch colorectal cancer screening program among low health literate screening invitees and to assess the effect of the information on their knowledge about colorectal cancer and the screening program. MethodsLinguistic tools were used to analyze the text and design characteristics. The accessibility, comprehensibility and relevance of the information materials were explored in interviews and in observations (n=25). The effect of the information on knowledge was assessed in an online survey (n=127). ResultsThe materials employed a simple text and design. However, respondents expressed problems with the amount of information, and the difference between screening and diagnostic follow-up. Knowledge significantly increased in 10 out of 16 items after reading the information but remained low for colorectal cancer risk, sensitivity of testing, and the voluntariness of colorectal cancer screening. ConclusionDespite intelligible linguistic and design characteristics, screening invitees with low health literacy had problems in accessing, comprehending and applying standard information materials on colorectal cancer screening, and lacked essential knowledge for informed decision-making about participation. Practice implicationsTo enable equal access to informed decision-making, information strategies need to be adjusted to the skills of low health literate screening invitees.

Особливості пропагандистської діяльності українських фронтів під час бойових дій червоної армії на території Європи наприкінці Другої Світової Війни

The work analyzes propaganda support of Ukrainian fronts in combat operations of the Red Army in European countries at the end of 1944 – beginning of 1945. Based on specific historical facts, major forms of influence on the civilian population of countries that joined the Soviet Army are distinguished. The basic samples of the Soviet agitation and propaganda equipment and weapons used for distribution of oral and printed information materials are introduced.

Perceived Relevance of Educative Information on Public (Skin) Health: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Survey

ObjectivesUnprotected leisure time exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial tanning beds is the most important environmental risk factor for melanoma, a malignant skin cancer with increasing incidences over the past decades. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of skin health information provided by several sources and different publishing issues on knowledge, risk perception, and sun protective behavior of sunbathers.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among Austrian residents (n=563) spending leisure time outdoors in August 2010.ResultsPrint media, television, and family were perceived as the most relevant sources of information on skin health, whereas the source physician was only ranked as fourth important source. Compared to other sources, information provided by doctors positively influenced participants' knowledge on skin risk and sun protective behavior resulting in higher scores in the knowledge test (p=0.009), higher risk perception (p<0.001), and more sun protection (p<0.001).Regarding gender differences, internet was more often used by males as health information source, whereas females were more familiar with printed information material in general.ConclusionsThe results of this survey put emphasis on the demand for information provided by medical professionals in order to attain effective, long-lasting promotion of photoprotective habits.

Evidence-Based Information on Mammography Screening in Austria - Reality or More Pie in the Sky?

Health literacy is gaining increasing importance in prevention and health care. This is the case for patients and for health-care professionals. Information and risk communication should comply with defined criteria and strengthen health literacy as they are a prerequisite for informed decision making. In this study, we analyse the content of the printed information material (brochures and pamphlets) on mammography screening for consumers that were distributed in Austria in 2011. The evaluation of the 11 brochures shows that the content does not comply with the prerequisites for informed decision making. Since the last study - published in 2004 - the situation has only slightly improved. The authors reemphasise the need for a targeted multimodal information campaign. This is particularly important as a systematic national mammography screening program in compliance with the guidelines of the European Commission will be introduced in Austria in 2013.

‘It was daunting’: Experience of women with a diagnosis of breast cancer attending for breast imaging

BackgroundA quarter of cancer cases worldwide are attributed to breast cancer. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis and care. Increasing value is placed on patient experience to inform service delivery. The main aim was to explore the experiences of women attending for diagnostic tests prior to and after diagnosis in order to inform practice. MethodsA convenience sample (n = 16) was recruited throughout the North-east of Scotland. A qualitative, exploratory and longitudinal study design was employed using semi-structured interviews. Twenty five interviews took place, with seven participants taking part in a single interview, a further seven and one participants taking part in two and three interviews respectively. Interviews were recorded, transcripts produced and analysed following the thematic approach. ResultsTwelve participants attended imaging after discovering a breast lump and four via breast screening. Participants demonstrated differing attitudes to printed information material, and this changed over time. Imaging was ‘something to just get on and have done’ and almost without exception mammography was described as painful. The descriptions of invasive breast imaging provide a hitherto unknown insight into these procedures. Skill and attitude of staff was described as essential to the quality of the experience. This longitudinal study enabled women returning for follow-up procedures to identify their issues. ConclusionThis study provided a unique insight of the experiences of women when attending breast imaging. By listening to their narrative we can learn how services may be improved, and include this perspective to develop a quality patient-centred imaging service.

Five-Phase Approach to Improve Design of Printed Transit Information and to Monitor Impact on Customer Satisfaction

Transfort, the transit service provider in Fort Collins, Colorado, conducted a major design overhaul of its printed information materials (system maps, route maps, and schedules) to achieve the following objectives: (a) increase user comprehension of printed materials, (b) increase ridership, and (c) reduce printing costs while adding four additional routes to the schedule book. To achieve those objectives, a five-phase process was developed to allow the redesign task to be informed by research literature, transit staff opinions, and the views of service users. The new designs were implemented incrementally between July 2007 and August 2008 and were accompanied by a marketing campaign that informed and explained the upcoming changes. Ongoing project monitoring efforts indicated high levels of customer satisfaction with the revised materials and their new features and significant cost savings of 26%, as well as some evidence of a positive ridership effect. These outcomes provide an endorsement of the five-phase approach developed by Transfort and suggest that it may be useful to other transit agencies considering a major revision of their printed information materials.

The Information and Consent Process in Patients undergoing Elective ENT surgery: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundTo assess the importance of different information pathways for patients undergoing elective ENT surgery (General Practitioner, Specialist consultation, pre assessment clinic and consent process as well as printed information material and non medical sources) and to correlate their relative importance with patient and doctor factorsMethods – PatientsCross – sectional questionnaire survey226 consecutive patients undergoing elective non-oncological otolaryngology procedures at a District General Hospital between May and August 2004ResultsOverall patients were moderately satisfied with the information they received prior to surgery (score 63/100). Although they were generally satisfied with the quality of information they received at their outpatient consultation and at the preadmission clinic, they were less satisfied with the quality of information provided by their GPs and by the quality of self – obtained information. Most importantly, linear regression modeling showed that the overall level of information could be predicted by three factors: The quality of written information received at the hospital, the quality of self-obtained information and the information provided by the specialist at the time of listing for surgery. While patient's education level was correlated with the information process, the age and gender of the patient as well as the grade of the doctor at the outpatients were not associated with his overall levels of satisfaction.ConclusionAlthough the impact of the initial outpatient consultation for patients undergoing elective surgery can not be over emphasized, written information provided at the hospital as well as patient – initiated, parallel information pathways are at least as important: It is our duty to recognize them and use them for the patient's advantage.

Are printed sexually transmissible infection materials for patients appropriate? A physician perspective

The data from a postal survey of 409 general practitioners (GPs) practicing in New South Wales are analysed to explore GPs' concerns, if any, about available printed information materials on sexually transmissible infections (STI) for patients. Just over half (55%) of GPs considered the materials for patients to be inadequate and/or inappropriate with 18% considering the materials as too technical for many patients and 13% considering the materials mostly out of date. Over a fifth reported that either STI materials were not available in their clinic or they did not know where to get those materials.

Printed Information Needs of Small-Scale Organic Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal

Four resource-poor farmer groups in KwaZulu-Natal participated in a study to explore how to meet their need for printed agricultural information materials (PAIMs) to promote small-scale commercial organic farming. Participatory rural appraisal methods (focus groups, semi-structured questions, information tabulation, voting, ranking, sorting and observation) were used to determine how farmers access innovative agricultural information, their preferences for information channels, the effect of literacy and language on their use of printed information, and the provision of relevant printed information materials. Participants evaluated five PAIMs. The findings show that there is a critical need for appropriately repackaged PAIMs to reach farmers. Intermediaries, on whom farmers rely for external (mostly oral) information, could expose farmers to alternative information channels and/or sources. Materials written in the farmers' first language, isiZulu, were preferred, while at least one functionally literate farmer was a member of each of the participating groups, thereby facilitating group literacy. The study concludes that printed materials on their own are not sufficient to meet small-scale farmers' new information needs, and recommends a collaborative, action research approach to ensure that farmers are involved in developing their agricultural knowledge and information systems.

Online information services for the German government's audiences

The Internet is used by a great variety of people who play different roles and who have different interests. On the one hand, private users have different physical connections to the Internet; and on the other hand, professionals use the Internet as a source of information for their job. This paper describes how the German government's Internet offer meets these different user requirements. The Web site offers German, English, French, and Spanish information about Germany, its political system, its country and people, its institution, and its economic system for the public in general. Employees of the German government and of the communities can access more detailed data about political events and laws, whereas journalists are dependent on news in the forms of press releases, topical incidents, and political dates. Schools, universities or research institutes need printed information material for educational purposes. There are several mainstream technologies put into service to fulfill the demands of each user group: The Web site as a whole, which is updated around the clock, webcasting for the dissemination of timecritical information, and online ordering for printed material. Increasing user support is the focal motivation point to expand the services step by step. User acceptance shows how successful the whole implementation has been in the user's point of view. The described services have been integrated under consideration of high security requirements by GMD — German National Research Center for Information Technology — together with its cooperation partners. We achieved the results during a two-year project with the Press and Information Office of the German government.