Pages: 42 - 45
Article topics: Adherence, Communication, Community
There has recently been an increased focus on the use of patient information leaflets as a means of communicating key information and engaging patients in preventative measures. The prevention and management of pressure ulcers depends on proactive and effective communication between nurses and other healthcare professionals and the patients themselves. This is particularly important in community settings, with the increasing responsibility placed on patients to self-manage their conditions. However, despite the use of patient information leaflets as part of the nursing process, there is little research evidence to support their use with regards to pressure ulcer prevention and, in particular, whether patients themselves engage with and understand the information. This article discusses the existing literature and knowledge around patient information leaflets, looking at it in light of a recent study around pressure ulcer prevention in Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust.