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Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common condition with significant physical and psychological impairments. This study was intended to examine the feasibility of how evidence-based health information on PE in the form of a brochure can be distributed and used to strengthen PE-specific health literacy. Materials and methods Patients with PE were recruited during their hospital stay and were randomized in an intervention group which was provided with the brochure and a control group. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and four months after PE. Primary focus of the study were feasibility metrics such as recruitment and dropout rates, suitability of randomization processes, and the acceptance of the intervention. Health literacy was assessed using the Health Literacy Pulmonary Embolism (HeLP) questionnaire to gather information about expected effect sizes of the intervention. Further patient-oriented and information-related outcomes (e.g., health-related quality of life, mental well-being, communication with treating physicians and relatives) were assessed as secondary outcomes during follow-up. Additional qualitative interviews in the intervention group were conducted for further information on acceptance and usage patterns of the brochure. Results At baseline, 116 of 249 hospitalized patients with PE were enrolled in the study. Seventy-five participants (intervention: 33, control: 42) completed the follow-up, representing a response rate of 65%. PE-specific health literacy was significantly improved in the domain ‘dealing with PE-related health information’ in the intervention group (3.86 vs. 3.43, p = 0.030, r = 0.30). Participants of the intervention group showed also better PE-related knowledge compared to the control group (45% vs. 17% with ≥ 2 correct items, p = 0.007, Cramer’s V = 0.29) and a stronger feeling of being informed (6.00 vs. 4.14, p 0.001, r = 0.50). Qualitative interviews underlined predominant usage of the brochure during post-acute phase. Patients rated the patient information as easily accessible and as a trustworthy source and highlighted the emotional support through narratives of other patients. Conclusion Provision of evidence-based health information via a brochure is feasible and may enhance PE-specific health literacy and patient knowledge. Challenges regarding distribution strategies, effective implementation and long-term effects should be considered in future studies.
Fischer et al. (Wed,) studied this question.