Patient compliance with colposcopy information leaflets

To investigate patient satisfaction and compliance with recommendations in information leaflets sent to women prior to colposcopy clinic attendance and to establish whether alteration to the leaflet improved compliance.

Data was collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively on the first 50 women attending for colposcopy before and after alterations to the information leaflet.

All the patients received our patient leaflet and over 90% in each group felt that the information was understandable, clear and adequate. This is in complete contrast to overall compliance of less than 40% in both groups of the women. The first language of the patients did not make any major impact on compliance.

Patients understanding of the information provided in the leaflets was not reflected in compliance. Compliance was no better in repeat attendees. The compliance with the information provided was not affected by the womens first language. Alterations in the leaflet did not improve compliance. Other methods of information provision should be looked at to try to improve compliance.