Information leaflets in the dermatology out‐patient waiting area

Summary Patients’attitudes to the supply and quality of information provided about their condition were examined by questionnaire before (n=852) and after exposure to an information leaflet campaign (n= 560) in the dermatology out-patient waiting area. A high expectation of this service was demonstrated, particularly from patients under 60 years of age with chronic diseases. A variety of information sources, other than doctors, were identified which could be improved (video-systems, specialist nurses, leaflets, posters). The campaign significantly increased the percentage of patients who derived information from the leaflet source (5·6–18·8%, P < 0·001) and it reduced a demand for leaflets (16·4–9·l%, P < 0·001), However, the campaign did not alter patients’perceived need to spend more time with a dermatologist. In order to achieve a greater impact on patient satisfaction, a combination of information sources in the out-patient department should be targeted at young adults with chronic diseases.