1. Information leaflets: are they effective ? S Mathers* +, R Chesson + *NHS Grampian + The Health Services Research Group.

2. Examinations were described...invasive in nature, routine to hospital staff but unique and strange to patients. Wilson-Barnett, 1985.

3. ...high-tech imaging in a low touch world... Murphy, 1999

4. Main aims establish participants level of knowledge of CT scanning prior to scan determine how patients use the information provided

5. Participants –150 non-emergency first-time attenders for CT scanning referred by hospital consultants Ethical approval was gained

6. Methodology Phase 1: -postal questionnaire sent prior to receiving appointment and information material Phase 2: - telephone interview prior to attending but after receipt of the information material

7. To assess patients knowledge of CT scanning 12 basic questions e.g. 1. A CT scan is a specialised x-ray examination where pictures are taken of the inside of your body. 2. You will be asked to lie still. 3. You will be asked to hold your breath. Options: True, False, Dont know.

8. Results 77% response rate (n=115) Mean age 55.7years (range 19-86 years) 35 men and 47 women

9. Results 30% correctly identified they were to have a CT scan Use of information –50% read it on arrival –40% read it more than once –67% showed it to someone else –3 did not read it at all

10. Knowledge of CT scanning Prior to receiving leaflet 5.58 (range 0-12) Post receipt of leaflet 9.1 (range 4-12)

11. Conclusions Information leaflets are effective in increasing patients knowledge of CT scanning Patients do use the information material they are given

12. Acknowledgements Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust Endowment Fund, 2002-2003