Suitability assessment of health education brochures in Qassim province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Patients' utilisation and perception of the quality of printed health education materials in primary health care: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Printed health education (HE) materials are commonly provided in primary health care (PHC). However, little is known about their use by PHC visitors.

AIM

This study explored patients' opinions and use of printed HE materials in order to determine an ideal output format for HE.

DESIGN & SETTING

This was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in three PHC centres at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHOD

Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

Fifty-five point two per cent of participants obtained printed HE materials from PHC waiting areas. The majority read one or more materials and found it helpful and memorable. Seventy-seven point two per cent applied the written message, 24.0% of participants regularly read HE materials, and more than half spent time reading them in the PHC centre's waiting area. Around half (51.1%) put the material back in its place after reading it. The preferred format was card with text and graphs. The preferred content was healthy lifestyle advice.

CONCLUSION

Patients do use printed HE materials in a positive way. More efforts are needed to improve the quality of the materials. Different healthcare providers should contribute more in HE.

Variables That Impact Medical Malpractice Claims Involving Plastic Surgeons in the United States

BACKGROUND

Medical malpractice lawsuits contribute directly and indirectly to the cost of healthcare in the United States. Reducing medical malpractice claims represents an often unrecognized opportunity for improving both the quality and affordability of healthcare.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to better understand variables of the informed consent process that may contribute to reducing malpractice claims in plastic surgery.

METHODS

A prospective multiple choice questionnaire was distributed via email to all of the 1694 members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) to evaluate attitudes and practices of informed consent in relation to medical malpractice.

RESULTS

A total of 129 questionnaires obtained from plastic surgeons were eligible for analysis (response rate 7.6%). Respondents who provided procedure-specific brochures to their patients were significantly less likely to be sued for medical malpractice (P = 0.004) than those who did not. Plastic surgeons that participated in malpractice carrier-required courses on avoiding medical malpractice litigation had a similarly significantly reduced likelihood of lawsuits. (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Variables that may reduce malpractice claims, and thereby both improve the quality and affordability of healthcare, include: (1) the use of procedure-specific patient education brochures; and (2) physician participation in malpractice insurance carrier-required courses. These findings should be of interest to physicians, hospitals, and insurance companies.