Development and implementation of patient information leaflets in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: This prospective study aimed to develop and implement a patient information leaflet (PIL) on diabetes mellitus, and to assess the effectiveness of the PIL after implementation. Methods: A questionnaire on diabetes mellitus was developed as a tool to assess knowledge among diabetes patients. Data were collected from patients; accordingly the PIL was implemented by using formulae such as the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade-Level (FK-GL) scores. Layout and design of the leaflet were done according to the Baker Able Leaflet Design (BALD) method. Key findings: Of the 260 patients approached, 20 were excluded from the study due to a lack of response. We used questionnaire scores to reveal knowledge on diabetes mellitus. Before education (that is, reading the PIL), 14.2% (n = 34) had a score of 0-4 and 20.8% (n = 50) had a score of 13-16. After education, just 1.6% (n = 4) had a score in the range of 0-4 and 39.6% (n = 95) had achieved a score of 13-16. Conclusions: Education with the PIL significantly improved patients' knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus. It may be concluded that the disease-specific knowledge imparted through PILs is necessary to heighten patients' self-confidence in management of diabetes mellitus and to improve self management. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.