An audit of foot surgery information leaflets from the patients’ perspective

BackgroundNo consensus exists as to the ideal content of a good quality patient information leaflet (PIL).ObjectivesTo assess the written information given to patients along with their requirements, when undergoing foot surgery.MethodBased on two questionnaires, the first to evaluate pre-operative information sheets used within the Department and the second primarily to evaluate post-operative information. In addition, the latter was used to obtain information regarding patients understanding of the podiatric surgical training programme. Readability was measured using the SMOG grading.ResultsThe risks and complications information was rated most highly for content, the recovery information lowest. Patients wanted more information focussed on expected pain levels, recovery time and return to activity. Significantly more people under 60 years old wanted to know about return to activity (p < 0.001), the scar (p < 0.01), pain levels (p < 0.05) and length of the operation (p < 0.05). Patients understood the training of podiatric surgeons and the status of the clinicians who operated on them. Patient perception of the information was not consistently related to the readability score.ConclusionsPILs used for foot surgery were well received by patients. The audit highlighted areas of information patient's deemed important and identified omissions in the current provision.