Importance of Format and Design in Print Patient Information

Abstract

In developing print education materials for cancer patients, the format, design, and placement of materials for patient access need to be considered. There are many valuable educational materials available on computer databases. Downloading the information and placing it in a brochure format may be an ideal approach for providing access to this information. Furthermore, because physicians and nurses have different priorities for printed patient education materials, it is important to involve both groups in the developments of the brochures.

Organizational Use of a Media Campaign Booklet to Encourage Parent–Child Communication about Waiting to Have Sex

“…Most suggestions for revisions to the booklet involved enhancing and=or adding to existing content as well as improving the format, organization, and appearance to increase use among staff and parents. Respondents suggested revisions in line with elements identified as important in prior work, such as readability, reading level, format, and design (Chubaty et al, 2009;Frost et al, 1999).…”

“…There are particular features of print materials that are important, such as suitable reading level, credibility of the information, format, and design of the materials (Frost, Thompson, & Thiemann, 1999). Well-designed printed health materials utilize certain features of typeface legibility, such as type color, navigational aids, and number of columns of text; these materials are more apt to be read and highly regarded than materials that do not consider these features (Chubaty, Sadowski, & Carrie, 2009).…”

Small Business Owners' Opinions about Written Health and Safety Information

“…Investigators have found that content and design contribute to the acceptability and effectiveness of printed health communication materials 6,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17] . Content is most effective when there are a limited number of messages, positive explanations of expected actions, answers to the question "What's in it for me?"…”

Management of screen-detected lung nodules: A Canadian partnership against cancer guidance document

“…These reports incorporate established recommendations for using language not above a grade 6 level [164][165][166][167][168][169] and newer recommendations regarding the importance of graphic design and report lay out. 170,171 The sample reports also reflect a review of existing Canadian and American screenee reports, 60,[172][173][174] review by our patient representatives and review by external cancer communication experts.…”