Survey of patient information booklets.

Abstract

A wealth of written information is available for patients on the whole range of medical topics. The great variety of material available makes it difficult to choose the most appropriate card or booklet for the patient. Pharmaceutical firms produce cards and booklets for patients of varying type and quality. This paper surveys the existing cards and booklets and categorises them as warning cards, cooperation cards, compliance cards, and educational booklets. It also discusses some of the uses and problems of educational booklets and compares booklets from all sources on the subject of heart disease. Finally, there is a list of educational non promotional leaflets and booklets provided free of charge by pharmaceutical firms.