Patients need easy-to-understand and accurate information in order to make informed choices about their medical treatment, but they are not getting it. In the first study of its kind, this book reviews the quality of leaflets, videos and audio-tapes through the eyes of both patients and clinical specialists. Specific areas reviewed include back pain, cataract, depression, glue ear, high cholesterol, hip replacement, infertility, menorrhagia, prostate enlargement and stroke. The results are disturbing, finding that many of the information materials intended for patients omit relevant information, fail to give a balanced view of the effectiveness of different treatment options, ignore uncertainties and adopt a patronising tone. Few actively promote a participative approach to decision-making. This book examines what information patients need and how professionals can best provide it. This book offers practical guidance for any professional involved in the development of patient information materials and is aimed at health authorities, primary care groups, consumer groups, hospital staff, pharmaceutical companies, publishers, libraries and other professional organisations working with patients.
Translation missing: zh.dog_biscuits.fields.note
Pagination: xi, 219p.; This book contains the work carried out in the M.I.C.E. (Materials for Informed Choice: Evaluation) project.