Saving the Trees: Digital methods of providing patient information leaflets

ABSTRACT

Introduction & Objectives: Patients are often given printed information leaflets as part of informed consent for a procedure or explanation of their condition. Challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on face-to-face (F2F) consultations have required alternative methods ofdistributing information. We evaluated frequency of patient information leaflet use;preliminary cost benefit of electronic methods;and effectivenessof using QR codes to access digital leaflets.Materials & Methods: An international online survey of Urologists was distributed, and leaflet costs were estimated. QR codes were generated forcommonly used British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) patient information leaflets and were incorporated into a poster for display in theoutpatient department. Evaluation of poster use was sought from patients through a questionnaire.(Figure Presented)Results: 108 Urologists responded to the initial survey, 44% of whom were Consultant grade. 54% provided >50% of patients with an information leaflet during F2F clinics. During transition to telephone clinics, this fell to 33% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, 47% patients were provided with an internet link or directed to search engine terms in the clinical letter, instead of a printed leaflet. In a F2F clinic, each leaflet costs 40p to print, using a departmental model of 25 clinics/week, each clinician seeing 12 patients, if 53% receive a leaflet, the cost saving could be £3,307per year. In response to the QR codes poster for digital provision of patient leaflets, in a patient population mostly male (82%) and older (60%between 60-80 years), 40% were familiar with QR codes and 73% could access the internet on a personal smartphone. 53% reporting using theirsmartphone to find information, 46% found the poster easy to use or follow, and 61% found it informative.Conclusions: Patient information leaflets are important for a Urologists’ practice, frequently distributed, and printed forms can be costly. Providingpaperless digital leaflets via a QR code offers many benefits including being cost-effective, touch-free, was well received by patients and haspotential to increase patient engagement and education. Patient perception varies with age group and smartphone usage, therefore may not besuitable for all patient groups. This use of QR codes to provide direct access to digital patient information can be easily applied to other societiesand specialties