Delivery of Accessible Patient Information Through Accurate Documentation
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All Authors
Sherry, Alison
LTHT Author
Sherry, Alison
LTHT Department
Corporate Services
Non Medic
Patient Experience Manager
Publication Date
2025-07-10
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
en
Subject
Subject Headings
DATABASES AS TOPIC
CONSUMER HEALTH INFORMATION
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CONSUMER HEALTH INFORMATION
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Abstract
Patient Information Leaflets (PIL) are available, among other things, to support with informed consent. Accessible patient information underpins good clinical care and is a requirement of all organisations that provide Health and Social are (BMA, 2024).
During 2018/19 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) had more than 7,400 PIL in circulation, many of them out of date and/or being photocopied from unmonitored sources, potentially impacting on patient care. There was no central monitoring system to ensure accessibility, standardisation or quality.
To enable delivery of timely, accessible information, a process was required, to ensure PIL content went through governance and PIL only made available once approved. Authors needed guidance to create content. Edition/version control was required to prevent information being out-of-date. Patients needed accessibility support.
Following initial review of PIL status at LTHT, guidance was provided to authors. Using the existing database, a system was built, containing a robust, auditable record of PIL status. In date PIL were made available on the Trust’s website as a central source (with option to provide hard copies). Patients could access relevant, in-date only information, with accessibility support through technology.
The database is an invaluable tool for controlling the production of PIL. We can track them back to know what information was offered when. We can remove out-of-date PIL from the central source. Authors are encouraged to revise PIL against a percentage target. Technology on the website enables information to be saved, downloaded and translated at the patient’s convenience, including in audio format.
The impact this has had on patients is that they have access to all relevant PIL from a single source. QR codes take them directly to the location on the Resources website page. Patients cannot access out-of-date PIL as they are hidden from view until in date.