The outcome

After user testing the leaflet, we made some changes to it.

• We restructured it, changing the order of the sections, so that the information of most importance to carers was at the front.
• We simplified the language and cut out repetition.
• We made it clear on the cover that the leaflet was aimed at carers.
• We gave the leaflet a short, catchy title- Caring and consent with a longer sub-title – your right to be involved in decisions about the health care of the adult you care for.
• We commissioned an eye catching design.
• We retained bullets and shaded boxes for emphasis.
• We commissioned both a legal check and a plain language check.

When the Scottish Government Health Directorates had signed off the leaflet, we organised the printing and dissemination. We coordinated a central print run of the A5 leaflets and offered NHS boards, local authorities and third sector organisations a chance to order copies as part of this print run, thus keeping costs down.

We also provided options for our NHS board contacts by producing the information in an A4 downloadable factsheet format. Both formats are available from our website. The new approach of offering a choice of formats was well received by the boards. We produced a large print version and agreed to commission other alternative formats on demand.

Caring and consent was published in June 2009 and won the prize for carers information at the BMA Patient Information Awards 2010.

For more information about this work please contact Sheila.

Page last edited: 01 February 2011