Patient education handouts have become part and parcel of modern day healthcare provision. They have helped greatly in communication between a healthcare facility and the clients. It should be remembered that it is the right of every patient to know about the services provided by a given institution. Due to the importance of these communication tools, you need to have some knowledge regarding how you can make and use them appropriately.
Two types of handouts exist. They include the commercially available ones that are pre-printed and those that are made locally at a facility. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with each of them. Commercially available materials are usually quite expensive and may not convey the message in the intended manner. They are, however, readily available and thus help save time that would be required to design them. Those designed at the facility convey the intended message more precisely. They are, however, labour intensive.
It is very important that you have your objectives clearly laid out from the start. You must know what your goal at the end is. For example, you may be planning to ensure that all clients clearly understand the conditions affecting them. If not this, you probably may be intending to encourage strict compliance with treatments that have been prescribed to them. Another common use for these materials is to influence behavioural change.
There are a number of factors that play a major role in determining the type of design that is to be used. One of the factors is whether the materials are meant for single use or for frequent reference. Also, if the patient will be required to give responses (feedback) through writing, for example, this should be planned for in advance. The designer needs to clearly know who the intended target is. This may be the entire patient population or just those with specific conditions.
The writing style chosen must be appropriate for the targeted group. Do not use medical jargon as this may confuse your reader or may not be understood altogether. If you use a technical term, ensure that a definition of the same is included. The recommendation is that one should use the second person when addressing the client and not the third person. This is because when the former is used, the client finds it easier to relate to the message.
Complex and long sentences tend to confuse readers and so you should avoid them. Choose simpler short sentences that are straight to the point. Words containing more than three syllables need to be reduced or removed entirely. When you are satisfied with what you have created, choose a few sample clients randomly to determine the ease with which your material can be read.
The language and the style that is chosen have to be in line with the education levels of the clientele. At times, there is need to conduct research to know the education level for the desired group of clients. In the event that this is not possible, then the simplest style is chosen. The content must be up to date and accurate.
The use of patient education handouts carries with it numerous benefits. Not only does it help your clients learn about the disease they are struggling with but is also a very important tool used in preventive medicine. It is a tool that should be used by all health workers providing this essential service.
Two types of handouts exist. They include the commercially available ones that are pre-printed and those that are made locally at a facility. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with each of them. Commercially available materials are usually quite expensive and may not convey the message in the intended manner. They are, however, readily available and thus help save time that would be required to design them. Those designed at the facility convey the intended message more precisely. They are, however, labour intensive.
It is very important that you have your objectives clearly laid out from the start. You must know what your goal at the end is. For example, you may be planning to ensure that all clients clearly understand the conditions affecting them. If not this, you probably may be intending to encourage strict compliance with treatments that have been prescribed to them. Another common use for these materials is to influence behavioural change.
There are a number of factors that play a major role in determining the type of design that is to be used. One of the factors is whether the materials are meant for single use or for frequent reference. Also, if the patient will be required to give responses (feedback) through writing, for example, this should be planned for in advance. The designer needs to clearly know who the intended target is. This may be the entire patient population or just those with specific conditions.
The writing style chosen must be appropriate for the targeted group. Do not use medical jargon as this may confuse your reader or may not be understood altogether. If you use a technical term, ensure that a definition of the same is included. The recommendation is that one should use the second person when addressing the client and not the third person. This is because when the former is used, the client finds it easier to relate to the message.
Complex and long sentences tend to confuse readers and so you should avoid them. Choose simpler short sentences that are straight to the point. Words containing more than three syllables need to be reduced or removed entirely. When you are satisfied with what you have created, choose a few sample clients randomly to determine the ease with which your material can be read.
The language and the style that is chosen have to be in line with the education levels of the clientele. At times, there is need to conduct research to know the education level for the desired group of clients. In the event that this is not possible, then the simplest style is chosen. The content must be up to date and accurate.
The use of patient education handouts carries with it numerous benefits. Not only does it help your clients learn about the disease they are struggling with but is also a very important tool used in preventive medicine. It is a tool that should be used by all health workers providing this essential service.
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