Sharing knowledge is the key to success in a patient-physician relationship: how to produce a patient information leaflet on COPD

Abstract

Background. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its prevalence is rising. In Italy, respiratory diseases are the third most common cause of death. The aim of the study is to produce a patient information leaflet (PIL) designed to educate patients about COPD in accordance with the best recommendations based on evidence and guidelines for the production of good quality written information, and to evaluate the impact of this intervention on the patients’ knowledge of COPD. Methods. The study was conducted in the Department of Chest Diseases of the Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy. A total of 166 patients admitted with a diagnosis of COPD participated in the study. Patients were asked to answer 10 multiple-choice questions compiled to assess their knowledge of the disease and then to read the leaflet. Two days later they were asked to complete the questionnaire again to assess their post-intervention knowledge. Analysis of the data was performed using SPSS version 15.0. Results. After reading the leaflet, a statistically significant increase in the proportion of correct responses was noted (p<0.001 by Wilcoxon signed rank test). Patients had retained the knowledge gained at the one year followup (p<0.05 by Cochran’s Q test). Conclusions. An educational intervention directed at adults with COPD had a positive impact on the patients’ knowledge of COPD and this effect is long lasting.

Educational Effects of a Tailored Leaflet Addressing Drinking during Pregnancy

“…Scala et al also reported a marked improvement in participants' knowledge and its persistence over time after reading a leaflet directed at adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 18 In conclusion, our tailored leaflet was not superior to a non-tailored one in changing the behavior, thoughts, and knowledge of our participants. We found that it was more important that health education leaflets seem easy to read than that they are tailored to a target group.…”

Sexual health communication in COPD: The role, contents and design of patient information leaflets

“…Moreover, patients found the booklet useful, adequate and easy-to-understand. 42 Scala et al 43 developed an information PIL on basic COPD symptoms following best recommendations and guidelines for producing well-designed written health information. They tested readability through the Flesch-Vacca grade level 70 and Kincaid grade level 8 (readability tests used to indicate how difficult the written material is to understand), 23 , 24 , 44 – 46 as well as retained knowledge level on a sample of patients through a short questionnaire.…”

“…Results showed that the PIL developed according to recommendations and guidelines had the potential for respondents to retain obtained knowledge level at least 1 year after exposure. 43 …”

“…Although written information cannot substitute face-to-face education, it can have a significant impact on knowledge and understanding. 17 , 40 , 42 , 43 Written health information should be simple and easy-to-understand using a language and format appropriate for the target group. 17 , 21 To enhance patient comprehension and knowledge retention, design and development as well as targeted content of written information is key.…”

“… 17 , 21 To enhance patient comprehension and knowledge retention, design and development as well as targeted content of written information is key. 40 , 42 , 43 Obtaining patient involvement to clarify ambiguous content seems to be a valid and constructive way. 43 …”