Research abstract
British Dental Journal 201, 114 - 117 (2006)
Published online: 22 July 2006 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4813828
An evaluation of the quality of commercially produced patient information leaflets
- Patient information leaflets can be used to support oral health promotion, treatment choice and decision making in dental settings.
- Judged against standardised criteria the commercially produced patient information leaflets investigated in this study were readable and well produced, but failed to involve the patient in decision making, tended not to present the option of having no treatment and failed to reveal information sources.
- General dental practitioners and the dental team should consider the limitations of commercially produced leaflets and ensure that their communications with patients rectify the shortcomings of the leaflets.
Abstract
Aim A descriptive study was undertaken to assess the quality of a range of patient information leaflets produced by the British Dental Association.
Method Twenty-nine leaflets were assessed with regard to presentation, readability and quality. The topic areas covered included: treatment, self-care and disease related information. Presentation was evaluated with regard to layout, font size, typeface, use of illustrations, paper type and print colour. Readability was assessed using the Flesch reading grade and the SMOG reading grade. Quality was assessed using the DISCERN tool.
Findings All leaflets scored quite well for readability, with the average SMOG Reading Grade Level being 9.10 (SD 0.80) and the average Flesch reading Grade Level being 6.18 (SD 0.83). There were, however, some areas of presentation that could be improved, specifically font size, illustration use and paper finish, which did not comply with the RNIB guidelines. Quality ratings using the DISCERN tool were low. In particular most leaflets scored poorly in setting out clear aims in the opening paragraph, in identifying sources and dates of information provided, and other sources of advice and support available. Few leaflets discussed the option of no treatment or how the treatment would affect overall quality of life. The role of shared decision making was rarely mentioned.
Conclusion Patient information leaflets produced commercially are of high production quality and good readability but tend not to be patient centred.
- Dental Officer, Community Dental Service, Coventry Teaching PCT, Abbey View, 271 London Road, Coventry CV3 4AR
- Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry, Department of Oral Health Services Research & Dental Public Health, GKT Dental Institute, King's College London, Caldecot Road, London SE5 9RW
Correspondence to: J T Newton2 e-mail: tim.newton@kcl.ac.uk
