ARTHRITIS RESEARCH UK UNVEILS NEW RANGE OF PATIENT INFORMATION MATERIALS

Over 80 booklets written by healthcare professionals, and designed by patients, for patients

14^th April 2011, British Society of Rheumatology Conference, Brighton, UK. Arthritis Research UK is today launching its new range of patient information booklets, to provide an ongoing source of information and support to arthritis patients. Therange of over 80 booklets were developed following new research into patient information needs, commissioned by the charity.

Previous studies have found that patients’ retention of the information given during a consultation is often low. In one study of 151 rheumatology patients for example, total recall of information given was only 40%, and this figure was even lower amongst the over 70s. Another study found that, of the information that is recalled after a consultation, about half is remembered incorrectly. The importance of reliable information which patients can refer to after they’ve left the consultation room can therefore not be underestimated.

Arthritis Research UK’s face-to-face research supported the need for high quality arthritis information that is relevant, straightforward and authoritative, with patients identifying the need to strike a balance between medical texts which can be weighty, technical and academic, and leaflets which can be seen to be flimsy and poorly produced, making patients feel that they’re not being taken seriously.

The new booklets and leaflets from Arthritis Research UK have been developed to fill this gap and to meet changing patient needs. Key features include:

• Straightforward – fewer words with only the necessary information included; an ‘at a glance’ section for easy reference, making the most important points more digestible, key messages and important points highlighted throughout
• Relevant – all information based on the most up to date evidence available
• Authoritative –the newly written texts have been medically reviewed and lay reviewed
• Clear – with colour photography, including pictures of symptoms and 3D illustrations
• Accessible – no jargon! An easy to understand Q&A format
• Inclusive – a ‘get involved’ page to help patients who can feel isolated

Commenting on the new booklets, Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK says:

“It has always been important to us to ensure that patients are well-informed with a clear understanding of their condition and the medical options available, as well as how best to manage their own health.  As a practicing clinician, I know how useful these booklets are as a reliable and authoritative tool to use in the consultation.  They also help to facilitate shared decision making between patients and their healthcare professional.

“We believe our new, updated range of patient information will provide a huge support to patients and the healthcare professionals that help them to understand their condition.”

Arthritis Research UK’s new range updates the charity’s previous materials and comprises 88 leaflets and booklets, covering topics relating to types of conditions, therapies, surgery, living with arthritis and children and young people and arthritis. A multidisciplinary medical team , alongside ongoing patient input, helped to inform the choice of topics.  The materials were written by medical experts and were reviewed by medical editors, patient organisations and a lay review group, all of whom have freely given their expertise and time. This multidisciplinary team meets four times a year to review the latest medical evidence and patient information needs and advise on ongoing patient information booklet content and new titles.

Arthritis Research UK will be gauging expert views on the new booklets at the British Society of Rheumatology Conference, via an at-stand survey and on-site focus groups. Following launch, the leaflets can be requested via phone, e-mail or post.

The new leaflets are available to order or download at: www.arthritisresearchuk.org, by email from enquiries@arthritisresearchuk.org, by telephone on 0300 790 0400 or by post by filling in a postal order form and posting to:Arthritis Research UK, PO Box 177, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 7TQ.