The usefulness of health education materials in GP waiting rooms: cross-sectional study

Background: More than half of patients in the UK wait between 5 and 15 minutes before seeing the GP, and this time in the waiting room (WR) provides an ideal opportunity for patient education. Aim: To assess patients’ perceptions of the usefulness, noticeability and attractiveness of health education materials (HEMs); and the variety, number, topics, design and accessibility of these HEMs. Method: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to patients in the WR to assess their use of health information and perceptions of HEMs. A survey measured the availability of HEMs in the WR and evaluated their quality against 16 accessibility and design criteria. Results: A total of 556 questionnaires were completed (response rate 97.9%). On average, WRs contained 72 posters covering 23 topics, and 53 leaflets covering 24 topics. Multivariate analysis showed that patients’ perception of usefulness was significantly associated with reading in the WR, using written HEMs, and not having a university degree; whilst noticeability was associated with reading in the WR, and being female. Attractiveness was associated with not having a university degree and shorter waiting time. Conclusion: This study suggests that a wide variety of HEMs are available, and that many patients find them useful and noticeable, however, fewer find them well-designed and attractive. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of generally available HEMs at changing knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviours; and utilising technology to deliver innovative means of providing patient health information.