Characteristics of an optimized patient information material for elderly patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases based on patients' and experts' assessment

Abstract

Background: Life-long regular use of drugs is necessary in chronic diseases like asthma and COPD. There are several methods to improve adherence including patient information and education; however, their effectiveness on the basis of practical experience is often lower than originally planned and expected. Our objective is to develop a patient information material based on the recommendations of patients and their treating healthcare professionals to fulfill their needs. Methods: A survey was conducted among pulmonologists (N = 262), asthma nurses (N = 102), general practitioners (N = 321) and patients with obstructive pulmonary disease (N = 978) using on line questionnaires. Results: All surveyed population would prefer to use 1 to 5 pages long, A5 format patient information material based on topics considered important by patients that is appropriately segmented with pictures as well as supplementary information cards adapted to the life situation of patients and the severity of their disease. Questioned population (whose mean age was 57.2) preferred highly informative printed material. Conclusions: For more effective information and improvement of adherence we recommend newly structured patient information sheets and information cards with content discussed with the targeted patients and their healthcare professionals. Customized, patient-centered information materials could improve the efficiency of patient education and make the follow-up of the various therapeutic plans easier for patients.