Information leaflet used in out-patient clinics: a survey of attitude and understanding of the user.

Purpose: To assess patients' attitude towards information leaflets, their understanding of the given information, and the time factor involved in an out-patient clinic set-up.

Design/methodology/approach: A total of 50 patients who received depot preparation of Methyl Prednisolone as local injections in an out-patient hand-clinic were given 15 minutes to read the patient information leaflet and were simultaneously asked to answer a questionnaire.

Findings: Patients want to be informed and are willing to spend more time and effort on information leaflets. Their ability to grasp and retain the relevant information is highly variable. Excess of information, poor presentation/format, lack of time, irrelevant data are factors which seem to adversely affect the effectiveness of information leaflets.

Originality/value: This study gives recommendations to those providing patient care. Emphasises the need for a careful review of all written information with respect to patients' better understanding of the treatment they will receive for the condition being treated.