Proper communication is pivotal to the provision of healthcare. It has been shown through research that patients that have adequate information about their illnesses are more likely to comply with the treatments prescribed than those who do not. There are many options of communication including, electronic media, health talks, print media and patient education handouts among others. Each of these options is associated with various advantages and disadvantages.
One of the most important things to bear in mind as you design a handout is the message that is to be communicated. This has been touted as the most challenging tasks of the entire design process. The content of a handout is determined by many different factors. These include, for example, the type of diseases treated at the facility, the average age of patients and the gender among others.
The format chosen will also determine, to a large extent, the readability of your brochure. A commonly used format is that of titles and subtitles. Titles address the main topic while subtitles deal with smaller issues under this topic. In the case of diabetes, for example, the topics may include causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and so on. Subtitles under treatment may include, drugs, physical exercise, diet modification and so on. Question and answer format is also popular.
The level of vocabulary used should be understood by the target audience. If you are dealing with a heterogeneous group whose level of education is greatly variable, the safest thing to do is to use the simplest vocabulary. Ensure that the sentences are concise and straight to the point. Medical jargon should be avoided as much as possible and if there is a need to include it, it should be accompanied by definitions.
Include illustrations in the handout if possible. They will not only help in explaining some concepts better but also serve to break the monotony associated with reading. This is likely to enhance readability of your material. The two main types of illustrations that can be used are the informational and the filler illustrations. The former, as the name suggests, have an educational value while the latter are mainly used for breaking the monotony of reading.
If you find yourself in a position where you may not have the requisite knowledge or time to undertake the task then you can consider outsourcing it. The contracted agency then conducts its own research before embarking on the design and production process. A number of advantages may arise from outsourcing. One of them is that you will get time to concentrate on other things. Another benefit is that you will have it done professionally.
Brochures may serve as an effective advertising tool apart from being educational materials. They are commonly used to educate clients concerning the services being provided by the facility. If you are educating the clients on work related injuries, for instance, you may include ways in which these injuries are managed in your facility. The only prerequisite is that the space that is reserved for advertisement should not exceed 20% of the entire handout.
The use of handouts in educating patients is a practice that is likely to continue well into the future. While the use of hard copies appears to be reducing, that of soft copies is increasing. More creative designs such as incorporating the brochures into calendars and bookmarks has also contributed into increased adoption.
One of the most important things to bear in mind as you design a handout is the message that is to be communicated. This has been touted as the most challenging tasks of the entire design process. The content of a handout is determined by many different factors. These include, for example, the type of diseases treated at the facility, the average age of patients and the gender among others.
The format chosen will also determine, to a large extent, the readability of your brochure. A commonly used format is that of titles and subtitles. Titles address the main topic while subtitles deal with smaller issues under this topic. In the case of diabetes, for example, the topics may include causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and so on. Subtitles under treatment may include, drugs, physical exercise, diet modification and so on. Question and answer format is also popular.
The level of vocabulary used should be understood by the target audience. If you are dealing with a heterogeneous group whose level of education is greatly variable, the safest thing to do is to use the simplest vocabulary. Ensure that the sentences are concise and straight to the point. Medical jargon should be avoided as much as possible and if there is a need to include it, it should be accompanied by definitions.
Include illustrations in the handout if possible. They will not only help in explaining some concepts better but also serve to break the monotony associated with reading. This is likely to enhance readability of your material. The two main types of illustrations that can be used are the informational and the filler illustrations. The former, as the name suggests, have an educational value while the latter are mainly used for breaking the monotony of reading.
If you find yourself in a position where you may not have the requisite knowledge or time to undertake the task then you can consider outsourcing it. The contracted agency then conducts its own research before embarking on the design and production process. A number of advantages may arise from outsourcing. One of them is that you will get time to concentrate on other things. Another benefit is that you will have it done professionally.
Brochures may serve as an effective advertising tool apart from being educational materials. They are commonly used to educate clients concerning the services being provided by the facility. If you are educating the clients on work related injuries, for instance, you may include ways in which these injuries are managed in your facility. The only prerequisite is that the space that is reserved for advertisement should not exceed 20% of the entire handout.
The use of handouts in educating patients is a practice that is likely to continue well into the future. While the use of hard copies appears to be reducing, that of soft copies is increasing. More creative designs such as incorporating the brochures into calendars and bookmarks has also contributed into increased adoption.
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patient education handouts are now available on our official website. To learn more about these educational materials, go directly to this page http://www.vivacare.com.
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