An evaluation of the quality of commercially produced patient information leaflets.

Full Abstract

AIM:
A descriptive study was undertaken to assess the quality of a range of patient information leaflets produced by the British Dental Association.

METHOD:
Twenty-nine leaflets were assessed with regard to presentation, readability and quality. The topic areas covered included:
treatment, self-care and disease related information. Presentation was evaluated with regard to layout, font size, typeface, use of illustrations, paper type and print colour. Readability was assessed using the Flesch reading grade and the SMOG reading grade. Quality was assessed using the DISCERN tool.

FINDINGS:
All leaflets scored quite well for readability, with the average SMOG Reading Grade Level being 9.10 (SD 0.80) and the average Flesch reading Grade Level being 6.18 (SD 0.83). There were, however, some areas of presentation that could be improved, specifically font size, illustration use and paper finish, which did not comply with the RNIB guidelines. Quality ratings using the DISCERN tool were low. In particular most leaflets scored poorly in setting out clear aims in the opening paragraph, in identifying sources and dates of information provided, and other sources of advice and support available. Few leaflets discussed the option of no treatment or how the treatment would affect overall quality of life. The role of shared decision making was rarely mentioned.

CONCLUSION:
Patient information leaflets produced commercially are of high production quality and good readability but tend not to be patient centred.

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Author information

Author/s: Lewis, M A (MA); Newton, J T (JT);

Affiliation: Community Dental Service, Coventry Teaching PCT, Abbey View, 271 London Road, Coventry, CV3 4AR, UK.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article

Journal: British dental journal (Br Dent J), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jul; vol 201 (issue 2) : pp 114-7; discussion 100

Dates: Created 2006/07/14; Completed 2006/09/19; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 16841085, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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