Patient information leaflets in surgical practice: a contemporary review

Abstract

Undergoing any surgical procedure, however minor this may be, generates a certain degree of anxiety amongst the patients, which is primarily related to the possible postoperative course and complications. Introduction of Patient Information Leaflets (PIL) in routine surgical practice has helped ameliorate this problem significantly and therefore has become a standard practice in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. This review highlights the evidence available in support of the use of PIL and outlines the process of development of PIL in surgical practice.