How Patients Evaluate the Patient Information Leaflet for Abdominal CT Examinations: A health literacy survey

Pasienters evaluering av informasjons-skriv ved utvalgte CT-undersøkelser: En health literacy-studie

Abstract

Keywords: Patient information, Information leaflet, CT, Patient empowerment, Health literacy study

Abstract

Introduction: Health literacy is a prerequisite for patient empowerment. In order to be able to participate in decisions about their own health, patients must have insight and knowledge; they must understand the information included in the leaflet they receive prior to the examination. Lack of patient preparation is a problem experienced by radiographers. The aim was to investigate if the information leaflets contributed to adequate knowledge about the CT examination and to look into patients' views on possible improvements.

Methods: A health literacy study (HL survey) was conducted among patients who received an appointment letter and were subjected to CT examinations.

Results: The total number of respondents was 25. Most were satisfied with the information leaflet when it came to both content and appearance, and they felt that the leaflet included all information necessary to be prepared for the examination, and that the content was easy to understand. Respondents with a background in the healthcare sector had higher expectations when it came to the leaflet's contents compared to those without. A small number of respondents wanted more information on contrast agents, among other things.

Conclusion: The contents of the information leaflet was perceived slightly differently based on the patients' background. The patients provided useful comments in the survey, which allows for improved shared decision making.