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Topic:

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Issue:

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Category:

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Title:

Don’t Throw Away the Handout: Efficacy of Patient Education in Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma

Author:

Chi, Hannah MS; Katyal, Toshali BA; Carrillo, Laura A. BA; O’Donnell, Jennifer MD; Swarup, Ishaan MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

February 2024

Reference:

44(2): p 89-93, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002564

Level Of Evidence:

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# of Patients:

101

Study Type:

Prospective randomized study

Location:

Not specified

Summary:

This study evaluates the readability, understandability, and actionability of printed educational materials (PEMs) for pediatric orthopaedic trauma patients and assesses the efficacy of these materials in educating both patients and caregivers.

Methods:

The study assessed PEMs using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Participants were randomized into two groups: Education (received PEMs) and No Education (did not receive PEMs). Parents/guardians of both groups completed surveys at the first follow-up visit to evaluate the efficacy of the materials.

Exclusions:

Not specified

Results:

Readability, understandability, and actionability: The understandability of PEMs was rated between 68% and 74%, but the actionability varied, ranging from 20% (femoral shaft fractures) to 60% (elbow fractures). Efficacy of education: Of the 101 participants, 51 received PEMs and 50 did not. The study found no significant differences between the groups in terms of sex, age, race/ethnicity, and level of caregiver education. Usage of materials: 61% of participants in the Education group used the materials provided, while 67-68% in both groups reported wanting PEMs. Internet usage: Participants in the No Education group were more likely to search for additional information online (74% vs. 51%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The study concludes that while PEMs were not universally used by patients, those who did not receive the materials were more likely to seek information online. The authors suggest that improving the actionability of PEMs, especially in electronic formats, and incorporating high-quality online resources, could enhance the effectiveness of patient education.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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