Encouraging out-patients to make the most of their first hospital appointment: to what extent can a written prompt help patients get the information they want?

A randomised controlled study in which a written prompt was sent to new pat ients to help them make the most of their consultation was conducted amongs t patients referred to the dermatology, gynaecology and orthopaedic out-pat ients clinics at the Royal Free Hospital, London. The impact of the help ca rd on patients' expectations, preparation for and experience of their out-p atient consultation are discussed. A help card and letter were sent to a ra ndom sample of patients before their appointment to encourage them to prepa re and prioritise questions to ask the doctor at the consultation. After th eir consultation, patients were sent a postal questionnaire to complete at home. Analysis of the questionnaires provided quantitative and qualitative data about patients' information requirements and whether they were fulfill ed. The results highlight the difficulties out-patients have in asking ques tions and discussing topics fully at their initial consultation, even when they have thought of questions in advance. Half the patients who were sent a help card said they got more out of their consultation as a result, yet f ew statistically significant differences between the help card group and th e other patients were found. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rig hts reserved.