1 research outputs found
Patient Information Leaflets for Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Missed Opportunity
Background: High-quality patient information is recommended to help reduce procedure-related anxiety and encourage
patients to become active participants in their recovery. The objective of this study was to analyze the quality of patient
information leaflets (PILs) given to National Health Service (NHS) patients ahead of lumbar spine surgery. Methods: The
DISCERN tool was used to evaluate the quality of PILs, sourced from NHS websites. Results: Thirty-two PILs on lumbar
surgery were included. Two (6%) leaflets were considered poor, 13 (41%) were marked as fair, 14 (44%) were of good quality,
and 3 (9%) were scored as excellent. The total mean score was 55 (30-74), which corresponds to good quality. The lowest
scoring questions were sources of information (Q4), balanced/unbiased content (Q6), and explanation of no treatment (Q12).
Conclusions: There is considerable variation in the quality of PILs provided ahead of lumbar spine surgery. The scope for
improvement is clear, and as the move toward patient-centered, evidence-based care continues, it is important that hospital
resources provide recommendations based upon evidence of clinical effectiveness