Health Information in Hospital Waiting Rooms, Can it Act as a Vector in Health Promotion? Survey among Patients Attending Medical and Dental Hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: Patient health information materials, such as leaflets and posters are widely used by diverse health organizations and professionals as part of patient education or health promotion efforts and in support of preventive, treatment, and compliance objectives. Patient health information can be used to reinforce the information given previously, or it can serve as references to remind people of information they received earlier. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the use of the patient health information materials in the hospital waiting halls by the patient and their perception on these health information materials. Methodology: A questionnaire study was conducted among the patients waiting in general hospitals and dental hospitals of Vikarabad district. A pretested (Cronbach α = 0.81) self-administered questionnaire was developed. Patients waiting in the waiting rooms and aged 18 years and above were included in the survey. Results: A total of 564 participants completed the questionnaires. A total of 141 respondents indicated reading the health information materials present in the waiting rooms. Majority of the participants stated that advertisements in the television will be the best method for promotion of health. More than 50% of the patients face difficulty in understanding the medical terms in the health information material. Conclusions: Study suggests that patients value health information materials in the waiting rooms and they perceive such materials as being helpful in improving health-related management and self-management.

When the medium massages perceptions: Personal (vs. public) displays of information reduce crowding perceptions and outsider mistreatment of frontline staff.

“…Research shows that providing outsiders with information can improve their experience and satisfaction with the service (Blackburn et al, 2019; Messner et al, 2005). Although different media can be used to provide such information (e.g., Moerenhout et al, 2013; Pulley et al, 2007; Reddy et al, 2017), research is yet to explore, however, whether the medium through which the information is displayed (e.g., a poster, a leaflet) influences outsiders’ waiting experience.…”

Review of the quality of printed patient education materials on asthma available in primary care in Singapore

“…The absence of PEMs, particularly in the waiting room, is possibly a missed opportunity for patient education. Patients spending time waiting are likely to notice and browse education materials that promote better health [47]. When patients review education materials before the consultation, more time can be allocated to answering specific enquiries and concerns, which improves patient-physician communication, shared decision making and patient satisfaction [48].…”