Working memory and the design of health materials: a cognitive factors perspective.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Working memory and other supportive cognitive processes involved in learning are reviewed in the context of developing patient education materials. We specifically focus on the impact of certain design factors such as text format and syntax, the inclusion of images, and the choice of modality on individuals' ability to understand and remember health information. METHODS: A selective review of relevant cognitive and learning theories is discussed with regard to their potential impact on the optimal design of health materials. RESULTS: Working memory is measured as an individual's capacity to hold and manipulate information in active consciousness. It is limited by necessity, and well-designed health materials can effectively minimize extraneous cognitive demands placed on individuals, making working memory resources more available to better process content-related information. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to evaluate specific design principles and identify ideal uses of print versus video-based forms of communication for conveying information. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The process of developing health materials should account for the cognitive demands that extrinsic factors such as modality place on patients.

Author information

Author/s: Wilson, Elizabeth A H (EA); Wolf, Michael S (MS);

Affiliation: Health Literacy and Learning Program, Center for Communication in Healthcare, Institute for Healthcare Studies, Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. eahwilson(-atsign-)northwestern.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Patient education and counseling (Patient Educ Couns), published in Ireland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Mar; vol 74 (issue 3) : pp 318-22

Dates: Created 2009/02/23; Completed 2009/06/02;

PMID: 19121915, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 6/2/2009, IMS Date: 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00)

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

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.

See 100+ related articles.

See a large map of 100+ related articles.