Lessons learned from producing health information booklets for deploying U.S. military personnel

Health information booklets deliver information to large groups quickly and economically. Rapidly deploying soldiers are a group that needs such information. Military personnel responsible for the health of troops should know of the materials produced to meet this need so that they can facilitate booklet distribution. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research within the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command has produced health information booklets in support of deployments to Southwest Asia, Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, and the former Republics of Yugoslavia. This article describes these booklets' content, use during military operations, distribution, costs, and benefits. A discussion of lessons learned includes steps to develop and evaluate health information and is followed by an explanation of the current situation. We offer suggestions to improve the booklet development process; our experience may be helpful to others developing health information materials for military personnel or civilians.