Patient teaching manuals improve retention of treatment information--a controlled clinical trial in multiple...

Retention of information concerning steroid medication dosage, side effects, and course of action to follow when certain danger signs or side effects occur was tested prospectively in multiple sclerosis patients about to be treated with alternate-day steroid medication. Each patient received identical oral instruction from both a physician and a clinical nurse specialist, followed by a written pretest of the orally imparted information. Alternate patients then received a written instruction booklet to reinforce the information concerning steroid medications. After one month, a written posttest was given. Patients who received the written instructional booklet showed a significant increase in retained knowledge concerning steroids.