Evaluating the suitability of diabetes patient education materials

Background: Patient education materials are often used in healthcare as a means of communication. Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder affects 25.8 million Americans and cost $245 billion in 2012. Patients living with diabetes are routinely provided written communication that may explain their disease state, medications, signs and symptoms etcetera. However, the utility of such communication is unknown toward improving adherence to medications, patient outcomes and reducing the overall burden of disease. In this study we evaluated 13 different diabetes materials for suitability and appropriateness of information provided.

Methods: 13 Diabetes handout materials were collected from physician offices. 2 investigators read and individually rated them using two tests – The University of Maryland Extension Materials Assessment Tool (MAT) and the Diabetes Patient Education Criteria Checklist.

Results: The MAT assesses suitability of materials based upon various criteria – content, purpose, graphics etc. Scores range from 36-42.  Rater 1’s average MAT score was 32.9 while Rater 2’s average MAT score was 31.9. The diabetes checklist has a possible score of 22 points split between yes (criteria present) and no(criteria absent). Rater 1’s mean score for criteria present was 9.5 and rater 2’s mean score was 10. Inter-rater reliability was determined using the kappa coefficient with 90% agreement between both raters.

Discussion:It is often assumed in healthcare that patient education materials provide adequate communication. It is important that materials be suitable and readable for patients toward improving their knowledge, adherence and outcomes for their disease. Providers need to be cognizant of the limitations of patient handouts toward educating patients.