Written Information Materials Research Articles

Pengembangan Brosur Kesehatan Masyarakat Berbasis Pengobatan Herbal

Brochures are one of the media used to convey information. Brochures are also defined as paper documents which are usually used as advertising or promotions. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (BID), brochures are defined as written information material about a problem that is prepared in a systematic way. This system is in the form of a print, which only consists of a few pages that can be folded without being bound. This research aims to develop a public health brochure based on herbal medicine. This type of research is development research. The research sample used was 15 people from Surabaya Village, East Sakra Subdistrict, East Lombok Regency. Data collection techniques are validation and readability testing. The data analysis technique used is the percentage technique. The research results showed that the herbal medicine-based public health brochure was based on content/material experts (3.8), language experts (3.7), and display experts (3.75), as well as the average score of the public readability test namely (3.7), which is categorized as not requiring revision or suitable for use.

Research partners in health services research: need, acceptance and feasibility of preparatory trainings

The aim of this online survey was to assess the need, acceptance and practical feasibility of a training program for research partners in health services research by patients and the public. In January 2023, we sent the survey to patient associations and groups nationwide via Patient Advisory Board members of the German Network for Health Services Research (DNVF). The survey included both closed and open questions. The research team analysed the information provided by the participants (n=125) descriptively and used content analysis according to Kuckartz and Rädiker (2022). The majority (90.4%) of respondents considered patient and the public involvement in the planning and implementation of scientific studies to be very or extremely important. 41.5% (17.9%) of respondents indicated that more than 10% (more than 25%) of patients would be willing to participate in free training and be available as research partners. More than three-quarters (76.8%) of respondents agreed that training was very or extremely important. Participants preferred written information (57.3%), short online training (56.5%) and short digital information sessions (53.2%). Frequently cited barriers to delivering training include travel costs (60%), time (53.3%) and the need for extensive prior information (48.3%). Participants' suggestions for successful training implementation included comprehensibility of the training program and its organisation (location, duration and format). In addition to the high training needs of research partners, the results also reveal some obstacles. A compact, comprehensible and digital information event with written information material increases acceptance. Researchers should take these results into account when designing and implementing training programs.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy.

An online program with individualized vs automated support for significant others of depressed individuals – study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDue to budget restrictions in mental health care, non-professional caregivers are increasingly burdened with the emotional and practical care for their depressed relatives. However, informal family caregiving is mostly a stressful role with negative consequences on the physical and mental health of the caretakers to the extent that they have an elevated risk of experiencing psychiatric disorders themselves. While psychoeducation for relatives of depressed individuals showed positive results both in terms of the caretakers’ strain and the depressive symptoms of the affected person, there are major barriers to participate in presence in those programs. Digital programs might be a viable alternative. We found no empirically evaluated digital program available for informal caregivers of depressed patients.MethodsAn online program for relatives of depressed individuals has been developed including four interactive modules on 1) psychoeducation, 2) how to strengthen the relationship with the depressed person, 3) how to deal with the depressive symptoms of the patient, and 4) find the right balance between caring for the depressed person and self-care. We investigate if this self-help program is more effective when used with individualized versus automated e-mail support, and if both supported conditions are more effective than treatment-as-usual (TAU in form of written information material) in terms of the risk of mental diseases in caregivers. The primary outcome is the reduction of the caregiver’s nonspecific mental distress as measured by the change of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale score from baseline to four weeks after randomization. Caregivers (n = 500:500:250) will be randomized to one of the three conditions.DiscussionPsychological support for caregivers of individuals with mental disorders such as depression should be offered as part of integrated services. There is a huge potential to develop and implement interactive online approaches to support informal caregivers of patients with depression to function in their multiple roles and to help them to remain healthy.Trial registrationDRKS, DRKS00025241. Registered 5 Mai 2021.

Pharmacy Hydroxyurea Education Materials for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Environmental Scan and Assessment of Accuracy

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyurea (HU) remains a cornerstone of sickle cell disease (SCD) therapy however its clinical efficacy may be limited by poor patient acceptance and adherence. While barriers to HU use are multifold, patients often relay fears relating to potential side effects of HU as a contributor to drug non-adherence. A common source of information on HU side effects is the patient information handouts (PIHs) that are routinely distributed by pharmacies when dispensing a prescription. We sought to formally evaluate the content and accuracy of HU pharmacy PIHs, including comparison of content with a reference standard PIH developed by the Canadian Haemoglobinopathy Association.METHODS: We obtained a comprehensive list of all accredited pharmacies in Ontario, Canada in 2016 from the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP), which totalled 4,150 pharmacies. A representative sample of pharmacies were subsequently contacted by telephone or in-person to obtain pharmacy PIHs on HU. PIHs were assessed according to listed uses of HU, number of inaccurate statements, essential statements based on comparison to the CanHaem reference standard PIH, and reading level (using Flesch-Kincaid and SMOG scales).RESULTS: Six unique HU PIHs were identified, which represented approximately 95% of Ontario pharmacies; PIH A and B were used by 58% and 36.7% of pharmacies, respectively (Table 1). While most of the PIHs listed uses for HU (60% of Ontario pharmacies in total), only 58.3% identified SCD as an indication for drug use. All PIHs contained statements that could be classified as inaccurate and misleading. The number of inaccurate statements ranged from 2-5 per PIH; 95% of distributed PIHs had an average of 4 inaccurate statements per handout. The most frequently encountered inaccuracy related to development of cancer in patients taking HU, namely acute leukemia. Additional inaccuracies included special handling precautions, vaccine inefficacy and overstating the likelihood of developing rare side effects such as, “deadly bleeding problems and infections,” hepatic insufficiency and infertility.On average, pharmacy PIHs included 45% of essential statements present within the reference standard HU patient handout. Missing information themes involved use of HU for management of SCD and specifically, benefits of HU in preventing SCD complications, long term safety data on HU and differentiation between common and uncommon side effects of HU use.The reading level of each pharmacy PIH was also assessed and compared to the grade 6 reading level formally advised for written patient information materials by the National Work Group on Literacy and Health. The average reading level across pharmacy PIHs was 7.85 and 7.83 according to the Flesch Kincaid and SMOG scales, respectively. However, 58% of Ontario pharmacies distributed PIHs with a reading level of 9.2 and 8.2 (Flesch Kincaid and SMOG, respectively) in comparison to the grade 6.2 and 6.7 (Flesch Kincaid and SMOG, respectively) reading level of the CanHaem PIH.CONCLUSION: SCD patients in Ontario who are prescribed HU are likely to receive written information materials from pharmacies that contain inaccurate and misleading statements weighted heavily toward risks of HU therapy and run contrary to published literature. Moreover, the PIHs reviewed in this study contained only 45% of the content deemed necessary for patient education on HU by a panel of experts in SCD. Oftentimes, this information requires a comprehension level beyond that recommended for patients. Through the itemization of written information provided to patients when obtaining their HU prescription, this study identifies a potential gap in the care of SCD patients and an opportunity to improve on the quality of HU PIHs to help patients make well-informed decisions about their health. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Development and Validation of an Information Leaflet on Oral Care for Irradiated Patients.

PurposeThe aim of the study was to develop an optimally designed and comprehensibly formulated patient information leaflet (PIL) to improve patients’ memory of information provided by physicians during a radiotherapy (head and neck area) consultation. This PIL was tested on unaffected probands for its usefulness in clinical practice.Patients and MethodsA panel of experts compiled the main topics using Lawshe’s content validity ratio. Flesch’s Reading Ease Score (FRE) and the Baker Able Leaflet Design (BALD) index were adapted to appropriate values to determine text comprehensibility and graphic design. The evaluation involving unaffected participants (231 men, 380 women, 21 not specified; mean age = 32 ± 13.63 years, range = 18–79 years) was conducted based on three questionnaires for four groups of respondents with varying prior knowledge of the subject. When answering the questionnaires, only half the participants had access to the PIL.ResultsThe expert panel included 59 out of 75 proposed topics. After reformulations, the FRE was adjusted from 38.5 to 51.4. The BALD index ranged from 24 to 26, depending on the printout edition. The evaluation of 632 unaffected participants indicated a difference in the correctly answered items that ranged from 2.86% to 30.76% between participants with and without access to the PIL.ConclusionThe general guidelines for the design of written patient information material were met. The evaluation of unaffected volunteers resulted in an advantage by answering the questionnaires after receiving the PIL. This study supports health practitioners in the development, design, and evaluation of written information material using scientific methods. An evaluation should be performed on affected patients.

Investigating the effect of a symposium on sexual health care in prostate cancer among Dutch healthcare professionals.

To investigate whether a symposium aimed at healthcare professionals in the uro-oncological field changes knowledge, competence and general practice regarding sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment. Sexual dysfunction is not frequently discussed by healthcare professionals; lack of knowledge and training are two of the most often reported barriers. Provision of additional training could improve knowledge, competence and general practice of healthcare professionals. Two questionnaires were used in this pre-post study to determine knowledge, competence and general practice at the time of the symposium and six months afterwards. In order to perform repeated measures to analyse alterations among participating healthcare professionals (n=55), the McNemar's test was used. A STROBE checklist was completed. Seventy-three per cent (n=40) stated that not enough attention was paid to prostate cancer-related sexual dysfunction during their education. Nurses felt significantly less competent in discussing sexual function, advising on sexual dysfunction and actively inquiring sexual complaints compared to other healthcare professionals. After the symposium, sexual dysfunction was significantly more often discussed. No significant effects were found on knowledge on sexual dysfunction, knowledge on treatment of sexual dysfunction, competence in discussing sexual function, advising on sexual dysfunction, actively inquiring sexual complaints and rate of referral. Tools needed to address sexual dysfunction concerned written information materials (75.5%) and a website containing adequate information (56.6%). The symposium had no significant influence on knowledge, competence and rate of referral in men with sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment. However, sexual dysfunction was more frequently discussed after the symposium, so increase of awareness of consequences of prostate cancer treatment was achieved. Consequences of prostate cancer treatment to sexual function should be taken in consideration in daily practice; written information materials and a website containing adequate information were indicated as valuable resources to address sexual dysfunction in routine consultations.

Need for Information about Medical Rehabilitation of Persons with German Pension Insurance: a Written Survey

In order to acquire target group-specific information on rehabilitation for members of the German pension insurance, they were asked about their ideas about medical rehabilitation and desired information regarding subjects and kind of information transfer. The core of the project was a written survey of members of the German pension insurance. N=600 insured people were invited to participate in the study. The questionnaire was developed in a qualitative pre-study. N=196 questionnaires were evaluated. Recovery of working ability was mentioned by most persons as the aim of medical rehabilitation. The most common idea regarding indication for rehabilitation was a specific operation. Physiotherapy was most often considered as therapy during medical rehabilitation. Information about formal steps, realistic aims and rehabilitation clinics were important. A conversation with their physician, written information material and a website were the preferred information pathways. Two-thirds of participants thought that information about medical rehabilitation was important even though they had no rehabilitation indication at the time of survey. The identified target-related information needs can be considered in a need-oriented development of information material. These can contribute to an informed decision for members of the German pension insurance for or against medical rehabilitation or an application for rehabilitation. Moreover, patient-oriented information can contribute to more successful rehabilitation participation, higher satisfaction with and a better rating of medical rehabilitation.

Written information material and availability of sexual health care for men experiencing sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment: An evaluation of Dutch urology and radiotherapy departments.

Objective was to investigate content of written information material and availability of sexual health care for men experiencing sexual dysfunction (SD) after prostate cancer treatment. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Dutch urology and radiotherapy departments to evaluate information materials and availability of sexual health care. Out of 71 eligible departments, 34 urology and 15 radiotherapy departments participated in the survey (response rate 69.0%). Fifty-nine brochures corresponding to 31 urology and 11 radiotherapy departments were analysed. In 88.1% of collected information material, sexual health was mentioned. Regarding extensiveness, 20.4% of the brochures contained extensive information, 50.8% moderate amount of information and 28.8% contained little or no information. Urology departments provided pre-treatment nurse consultations more often than radiotherapy departments. Sexual counselling was more frequently provided by urology departments. Urology departments were more aware of adequate referral possibilities. Information material provided by Dutch urology and radiotherapy departments does not address treatment-related SD routinely. Sexual health care is not available everywhere for men experiencing SD. Applying a standard regarding content of sexual health in information material is recommended as well as improved awareness of referral possibilities and enhanced provision of pre-treatment nurse consultations for men experiencing SD after prostate cancer treatment.

The relationship between different information sources and disease-related patient knowledge and anxiety in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Patient education forms a cornerstone of management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Internet has opened new avenues for information gathering. To determine the relationship between different information sources and patient knowledge and anxiety in patients with IBD. The use of information sources in patients with IBD was examined via questionnaire. Anxiety was assessed with the hospital anxiety and depression scale and disease-related patient knowledge with the Crohn's and colitis knowledge score questionnaires. Associations between these outcomes and demographics, disease-related factors, and use of different information sources were analysed using linear regression analysis. Of 307 patients (165 Crohn's disease, 142 ulcerative colitis) 60.6% were female. Participants used the hospital IBD team (82.3%), official leaflets (59.5%), and official websites (53.5%) most frequently in contrast to alternative health websites (9%). University education (P<0.001), use of immunosuppressants (P=0.025), Crohn's and Colitis UK membership (P=0.001), frequent use of the hospital IBD team (P=0.032), and frequent use of official information websites (P=0.005) were associated with higher disease-related patient knowledge. Female sex (P=0.004), clinically active disease (P<0.001), frequent use of general practitioners (P=0.014), alternative health websites (homoeopathy, nutritionists, etc.) (P=0.004) and random links (P=0.016) were independently associated with higher anxiety. Different patient information sources are associated with better knowledge or worse anxiety levels. Face-to-face education and written information materials remain the first line of patient education. Patients should be guided towards official information websites and warned about the association between the use of alternative health websites or random links and anxiety.

The FAMKOL trial: Trans-sectoral screening in high-risk populations, comparing nurse-led counselling versus written information materials in first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer.

509 Background: Prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health care issue. First-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with colorectal cancer have a 2-4-fold increased risk for colorectal cancer. Thus, in this population an adequate participation in the screening colonoscopy is of particular importance. However, appropriate strategies to increase the participation in screening colonoscopy are still lacking. Methods: Cluster-randomized, single blinded, controlled, multicenter trial. At 64 trial sites, 2,411 patients treated for CRC (index patients) were enrolled and n = 1,158 randomized to either paper-based information material only or additional barriers-focused counselling. Index patients were asked to forward trial materials to their FDR. FDR in the intervention group (IG) also received an additional individualized nurse-led counselling on barriers against colonoscopy and were assisted in making appointments to office-based gastroenterologists. Results: N = 313 FDR (IG n = 148; n = 165 controls) aged 28-85 years participated in the trial. A total of 197 FDR underwent preventive colonoscopy (IG n = 99 [66.9%] vs. n = 98 [59.3%]; p &gt;.05). In these 197 patients, polypectomy was performed in n = 69 patients (IG n = 39 [39.4%] vs. n = 30 [30.6%]; p &lt;.05]). Histological examination revealed n = 2 colorectal carcinoma in 197 patients. Conclusions: The FAMKOL trial confirmed the high effectiveness of an interdisciplinary and trans-sectoral invitation to the screening colonoscopy. FAMKOL also verified the significantly higher risk for adenomas and CRC in the targeted patient population. Hence, the permanent implementation of this invitation program may contribute to decrease CRC mortality. Clinical trial information: NCT01903395.

Inhibiting Interference – a grounded theory of health professionals' pattern of behaviour related to the relatives of older patients in fast‐track treatment programmes

To generate a grounded theory explaining health professionals' pattern of behaviour and experience related to the relatives of older patients in fast-track treatment programmes during total joint replacement. Health professionals uphold standardised care for patients, and effect on quality is seen when relatives support patients during total joint replacement. Since health professionals often have problematic relationships with relatives, knowledge is needed of the health professionals' pattern of behaviour in relation to relatives of older patients in fast-track treatment programme. Grounded theory according to Glaser's methodology was used to generate substantive theory of health professionals' pattern of behaviour. Data were collected from 2010 to 2011 by 44 health professionals in orthopaedic wards at two Danish hospitals. Data from nonparticipant observations, formal interviews, group interviews, informal interviews and written information material were collected, coded and analysed through the constant comparative method. Inhibiting Interference emerged as health professionals' pattern of behaviour through which they resolved their main concern, striving for maintenance of the fast-track treatment programme and principles. Their main concern was resolved by a main strategy: Focusing on Principles, by striving for patients' full compliance during the trajectory, followed by two strategies of social control: Accepting Compliant Motivators, by involving well-informed relatives, and Avoiding Disobedient Doubters, by excluding relatives who do not comply with programme principles. In the health professionals' strive to maintain programme principles, relatives were perceived as interferences, if noncompliant with trajectory rules, resulting in exclusion with consequences for their potential of being resources for patients.

Self-management strategies to support performance of daily activities in hand osteoarthritis

Aims:The main aim of this study was to explore self-management strategies in persons with hand osteoarthritis (HOA). Methods:Self-management strategies were explored in semi-structured interviews, in which 125 participants described strategies, use of devices or equipment, and advice they would give to people with HOA concerning how to manage their daily life. Results:The participants made a total of 483 statements, which were classified into 27 discrete strategies, and thereafter grouped into 13 broader strategies within three categories: general behavioural strategies, HOA-specific behavioural strategies, and cognitive strategies. The broad strategy “activity accommodations” specifically addressed performance of daily activities in people with HOA, comprising “use assistive devices”, “adapt tools, materials or working techniques”, “practise activity pacing” and “stop or avoid certain activities”, of which the two first were the most frequently stated by participants. Conclusions:People with HOA use a wide variety of self-management strategies to support performance of daily activities, in which use of assistive devices and activity adaptation are the most frequently reported strategies. Patient-recommended self-management strategies should be included in written information material and patient education programmes, which should be developed in cooperation with patient representatives and made available for patients soon after they are diagnosed.

Quality and availability of consumer information on heart failure in Australia

BackgroundProvision of consumer information and patient education are considered an essential part of chronic disease management programmes developed for patients with heart failure. This study aimed to review the quality and availability of consumer information materials for people with heart failure in Australia.MethodsThe availability of consumer information was assessed through a questionnaire-based survey of the major organisations in Australia known, or thought, to be producing or using consumer materials on heart failure, including hospitals. The questionnaire was designed to explore issues around the use, production and dissemination of consumer materials. Only groups that had produced consumer information on heart failure were asked to complete the totality of the questionnaire.The quality of information booklets was assessed by using a standardised checklist.ResultsOf 101 organisations which were sent a questionnaire, 33 had produced 61 consumer resources on heart failure including 21 information booklets, 3 videos, 5 reminder fridge magnets, 7 websites, 15 self-management diaries and 10 self-management plans. Questionnaires were completed for 40 separate information resources. Most had been produced by hospitals or health services. Two information booklets had been translated into other languages. There were major gaps in the availability of these resources as more than half of the resources were developed in 2 of the 8 Australian states and territories, New South Wales and Victoria.Quality assessment of 19 information booklets showed that most had good presentation and language. Overall eight high quality booklets were identified. There were gaps in terms of topics covered, provision of references, quantitative information about treatment outcomes and quality and level of scientific evidence to support medical recommendations. In only one case was there evidence that consumers had been involved in the production of the booklets.ConclusionKey findings arising from the study included the need to develop a nationally coordinated approach for increasing the dissemination of information resources on heart failure. While the more recent publication of a booklet by the National Heart Foundation may have improved the situation, dissemination of written information materials may remain sub-optimal, especially among patients who are not enrolled in chronic heart failure management programmes.

Community-Based Stroke Information for Clients with Stroke and Their Carers: Is There Congruency Between Actual and Recommended Practice?

Purpose: Information provision is an integral part of poststroke care, and there is a need to identify how to provide it most effectively. Intervention details, such as content, delivery style, format, and timing, are infrequently reported in the literature. This project describes in detail the provision of information to clients with stroke and their carers by community services in Brisbane, Australia, and compares these to current recommendations in the literature. Method: Fifty-seven metropolitan-based community services were surveyed regarding the content, delivery style, format, and timing of information available to clients with stroke and their carers, using a telephone-administered questionnaire designed for this study. Results: Services provided information using a range of formats and delivery styles. The most frequently provided topics were information on services and benefits available and practical management strategies. Less than 75% of services provided written information to most of their clients and/or carers. Less than 40% of services considered client and carer input when designing written information materials. Conclusion: Community services surveyed in this study demonstrated congruency with some, but not all, of the current content, format, and delivery style recommendations in the literature. Areas for improvement are discussed.

Delivering sensitive health care information: Challenging the taboo of women's sexual health after pelvic radiotherapy

Objective The aim of this study was to elicit current practice with regard to the content and delivery of patient education for women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. Methods A 38-item questionnaire was sent to all radiotherapy departments ( n = 65) and a convenience sample of specialist gynaecological oncology nurses ( n = 166), with response rates of 62% ( n = 40) and 42% ( n = 52), respectively. Data analysis of 32 different patient education leaflets from individual cancer units, cancer networks and vaginal dilator manufacturers was conducted. Content was evaluated on the inclusion and accuracy of the key knowledge women should receive before completing pelvic radiotherapy. Results Patient education focused on the technical aspects of vaginal dilation with minimal content on psychosocial 6% ( n = 2) or sexual health components 44% ( n = 14). It was evident from the information leaflets reviewed and questionnaire responses that there was duplication of verbal and written information provision in the clinical setting as opposed to using different information strategies to provide more comprehensive coverage of knowledge gaps in post-treatment sexual rehabilitation. Conclusion Results suggest the provision of vaginal dilation advice and sexual health information may benefit from being placed in the wider context of assessing treatment impact on women's health. Practice implications It is important to analyse the management of sensitive content, within both written information materials and verbal consultations, to determine the most effective information provision strategies that support sexual health interventions in cancer practice.

Effects of Written Information Material on Help-Seeking Behavior in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: A Longitudinal Study

Neither men with erectile dysfunction (ED) nor their physicians are willing to discuss sexual problem sufficiently. Written information material could facilitate a dialogue and encourage men to seek treatment. The central task of this article was to determine the effectiveness and acceptance of patient information material for sexual dysfunction. Through an information campaign, men received informational material. Eight thousand men also received a first survey, which asked about the intention to seek treatment and to discuss the sexual problem with a physician or partner. A second follow-up questionnaire, 3-6 months after the first one, asked for the implementation of these intentions. Descriptive and regression-based analyses were applied. Help-seeking behavior, subjective assessment of change in disease severity and partnership quality, satisfaction. Four hundred forty-three men participated in both surveys. Nearly 90% of them became active after reading the information material. More than half talked with their partner (57.8%) and a physician (65%), and one-third sought treatment (31.8%). Especially discussing the problem with the partner and receiving treatment improved erectile functioning and led to an increase in the quality of partnership (P </= 0.05). The initial intention to become active was a good predictor for completing an action. The main reasons for not becoming active were inhibitions to talk about ED (46.8%) and fear of a medical examination (27.7%). Overall, the results demonstrate that written information material is a useful resource for men with ED, because it evokes a high help-seeking behavior. It was perceived both to improve the sexual problem as well as to increase the quality of partnership. Providing such material in the medical practice may be an appropriate way to overcome inhibitions and to initiate dialogue with affected men. However, the results must be interpreted with caution because of possible motivationally driven self-selection bias.

Participation in environmental health research by placenta donation – a perception study

BackgroundMuch environmental health research depends on human volunteers participating with biological samples. The perception study explores why and how people participate in a placenta perfusion study in Copenhagen. The participation implies donation of the placenta after birth and some background information but no follow up.MethodsNineteen semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with participants in the placenta perfusion study after donation of placenta. Observation studies were made of recruitment sessions.ResultsThe interviewed participants are generally in favour of medical research. They participated in the placenta perfusion study due to a belief that societal progress follows medical research. They also felt that participating was a way of giving something back to the Danish health care system. The participants have trust in medical science and scientists, but trust is something which needs to be created through "trust-work". Face-to-face interaction, written information material and informed consent forms play important parts in creating trusting relationships in medical research.ConclusionMedical research ethics do not only amount to specific types of written information material but should also be seen as a number of trust making performances involving researchers as well as research participants.

Erratum: Can written information material help to increase treatment motivation in patients with erectile dysfunction? A survey of 1188 men

Correction to: International Journal of Impotence Research (2007) 19, 330–335. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901531 Following the publication of this article, it was discovered that the second author of reference 26 was not cited. The missing co-author's name is Carmita Abdo and the correct reference should read as follows:

Can written information material help to increase treatment motivation in patients with erectile dysfunction? A survey of 1188 men

Although erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence is high, patients and physicians often have problems discussing this issue. This study examines whether written information material increases motivation to seek treatment in patients with ED. For the study, persons were able to order information material about sexual problems within the context of a public campaign. From a total of 70,000 responders, 8000 persons were asked to fill out an epidemiological questionnaire. The response rate yielded 18.4%, the data of 1188 men with ED were analyzed. As a result of the information material, 28.3% of the untreated men intended to seek treatment and 38.5% of the men who had not spoken with their physician about their problem, planned to do so now. Nearly all responders were satisfied with the information material. These data reflect the usefulness of written information for men with ED. It not only serves as an informational source for patients but may also encourage them to seek treatment.