The Importance Of Distributing Patient Education Handouts
>> Saturday, February 1, 2014
Medical science has advanced to the point where many diseases and conditions that were previously seen as a virtual death sentence can now be treated effectively. Unfortunately, the cost of health care has spiraled and very few people can afford to pay for advanced treatment and surgical procedures. In many countries the public health systems are under tremendous pressure. One way to relieve this pressure is to pay attention to patient education handouts.
Brochures can do much to make sure that people understand the potential consequences of their habits. They can provide detailed information about sexually transmitted diseases, the causes of debilitating diseases such as high cholesterol and diabetes, for example, and they can point out he terrible consequences of alcohol and tobacco abuse, to name just a few. At least some people will take heed and change their life styles.
There is another tremendous benefit of educational brochures. Many people do not realize that a specific, chronic symptom may be a sign of an underlying disease. If people are more knowledgeable about the symptoms of common diseases they may seek treatment at an earlier stage. Treatment then becomes easier and cheaper. Many diseases are typified by specific symptoms and the earlier diseases are diagnosed the easier it is to treat.
Brochures can also do much to help patients understand how to use their medication in a responsible manner. It is astonishing to learn that studies have shown that an inordinate percentage of people that use chronic medication use it in an incorrect way. For example, sometimes they fail to eat before taking their medication or they eat when they should not have done so.
It makes sense to produce printed information leaflets rather than to use technologically advanced channels such as the internet. The target audience of such pamphlets does not always have access to sophisticated information technology. Leaflets are easy to distribute and people tend to keep such material. The printed word, especially when accompanied by graphics is often the most effective means of communication.
Information leaflets should be designed with very specific target groups in mind. Some target groups can comprehend medical terminology whilst others are not so sophisticated. Experience has shown that it is better to present the basic facts, illustrated as best possible, and to provide details of those sources that can provide more detailed information. Information should be presented in the mother tongue wherever possible.
The importance of health education simply cannot be overemphasized. Once people are informed about the risks that they run they may change their life styles. Others may realize that they are ill and they may seek help in time. Information has always been and will always be the first line of defense against disease and medical emergencies. Of course, prevention is always better than cure.
There are many advantages to be had in the distribution of patient education handouts. The more informed people are the more likely they are to lead healthier lives. Also, these informational leaflets may alert people to diseases they may not have recognized before. It is vital to keep people informed, simply because it is for the goof of the entire community.
Brochures can do much to make sure that people understand the potential consequences of their habits. They can provide detailed information about sexually transmitted diseases, the causes of debilitating diseases such as high cholesterol and diabetes, for example, and they can point out he terrible consequences of alcohol and tobacco abuse, to name just a few. At least some people will take heed and change their life styles.
There is another tremendous benefit of educational brochures. Many people do not realize that a specific, chronic symptom may be a sign of an underlying disease. If people are more knowledgeable about the symptoms of common diseases they may seek treatment at an earlier stage. Treatment then becomes easier and cheaper. Many diseases are typified by specific symptoms and the earlier diseases are diagnosed the easier it is to treat.
Brochures can also do much to help patients understand how to use their medication in a responsible manner. It is astonishing to learn that studies have shown that an inordinate percentage of people that use chronic medication use it in an incorrect way. For example, sometimes they fail to eat before taking their medication or they eat when they should not have done so.
It makes sense to produce printed information leaflets rather than to use technologically advanced channels such as the internet. The target audience of such pamphlets does not always have access to sophisticated information technology. Leaflets are easy to distribute and people tend to keep such material. The printed word, especially when accompanied by graphics is often the most effective means of communication.
Information leaflets should be designed with very specific target groups in mind. Some target groups can comprehend medical terminology whilst others are not so sophisticated. Experience has shown that it is better to present the basic facts, illustrated as best possible, and to provide details of those sources that can provide more detailed information. Information should be presented in the mother tongue wherever possible.
The importance of health education simply cannot be overemphasized. Once people are informed about the risks that they run they may change their life styles. Others may realize that they are ill and they may seek help in time. Information has always been and will always be the first line of defense against disease and medical emergencies. Of course, prevention is always better than cure.
There are many advantages to be had in the distribution of patient education handouts. The more informed people are the more likely they are to lead healthier lives. Also, these informational leaflets may alert people to diseases they may not have recognized before. It is vital to keep people informed, simply because it is for the goof of the entire community.
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