Development and Evaluation of Patient Information Leaflets (PIL) Usefulness

Abstract

A prospective study was conducted to develop, validate and assess the usefulness of the patient information leaflets for selected diseases among the patient population. Flesch readability ease score, Baker Able leaflet design criteria were applied to develop the patient information leaflets. The leaflets were validated for both content and translation. Eligible patients meeting the study criteria were enrolled in the study. Suitably designed knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire was administered at base line followed by patient education complimented with an information leaflet. After a month, knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire was administered once again to assess the influence of education and usefulness of patient information leaflets on knowledge, attitude and practice scores. The mean readability score of the information leaflets is 80 and Baker Able leaflet design criteria score is 22. Post education knowledge, attitude and practice scores were significantly (P<0.0001) improved in all the enrolled patients in all disease. The study concludes that patient education complemented with suitably designed information leaflet has greater impact on knowledge, attitude and practice of the patients towards their disease management.

Keywords: Layout and design score; patient information leaflets; readability score.