PATIENT EDUCATION/INFORMATION

Written information (fact sheets/leaflets/booklets) supplements verbal advice, but needs to be readily understandable. Audiovisual information materials include audiotapes, DVDs, podcasts, Internet downloads; some may be useful for patients with poor or no literacy skills. Patient information leaflets may be prepared in-house, downloaded by patient or nurse from Internet sites (e.g. NHS Choices, charities, Patient.co.uk) or obtained from local health promotion teams, charities and drug companies. Many materials are available in various languages; be aware of those spoken in your practice population. Pictorial materials are available for people with learning difficulties. Practice health promotion initiatives to consider include: waiting-room displays, especially during awareness weeks; outreach initiatives, especially to ethnic minority communities; drop-in open days for overweight patients offering information on, e.g. nutrition/weight management/local opportunities for physical activity.