EMIS PILS (Patient Information Leaflets)
Data Creation and Quality Control Process
Information Leaflets
The leaflets are written by Dr Tim Kenny BMedSci, MB BS, MRCGP, DCH who has had 10 years experience as a GP principal.
Source material on which the information leaflets are based usually comprises:
- Any recently published guideline from a reputable organisation such as NICE, SCHIN, SIGN, and professional organisations such as the RCGP.
- Recently published review articles which are identified in standard medical journals such as the BMJ, Lancet, etc.
References are given for each leaflet, many of which are linked online directly to the full text source of the article of guideline.
Those leaflets previously used by Prodigy (about half) were critically read by the doctors and pharmacists who wrote the related Prodigy guidance. They then went through the same validation process as the guidance which involved sending the guidance plus relevant leaflets to several experts in the field of the subject concerned, relevant patient groups, a number of pharmaceutical companies with drugs pertaining to the relevant guidance. Once the feedback from this consultation exercise had been received and any changes made, the final version of each Prodigy guidance and related leaflets was then sent to a validation committee of 5 medically qualified people throughout the UK.
Those leaflets not included in Prodigy (as they do not relate to any guidance) are critically read by two medically qualified, and one lay person. They are then released into the EMIS clinical system and GPs who use the EMIS system are encouraged to feedback any comments directly to Dr Kenny.
Readability is aimed at to be age 12 or below.
Each leaflet is reviewed by the author at least every 18 months. Some leaflets are reviewed earlier or more regularly if new information is published which may need to be included in the leaflet.
Diagrams
Most of the free standing diagrams and diagrams used to illustrate a number of the leaflets are drawn by Dr Beverley Kenny MB BS MRCGP who has had 14 years experience as a GP principal.
Database of Patient Support Groups and Organisations
Each group or organisation included in the database is written to annually on a 'rolling programme'. They are sent a copy of their entry and asked to confirm if it is correct, or to amend if necessary. A stamped addressed envelope is included in the mailing so no cost is incurred by the organisation.
Most reply, but those who do not are contacted by phone to clarify their details. Those organisations who close operations or who cannot be contacted are deleted from the database.
New groups are actively sought out and some new groups are added to the database from time to time. The criteria for inclusion is any UK organisation or group which offers advice, support, information or similar services to people who have a health related problem, or their carers.
Last Revised September 2007
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control over the content of any external links above. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
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