Ireland Get Active Leaflet, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Patient information leaflets (PILs) are printed sheets of papers usually folded, containing information regarding the health of patients and how to improve it (Marks, 2011). They are usually meant for distribution and they are offered free of charge. Patient information leaflets are widely available in different varieties in many outlets such as general practices, pharmacies and gymnasia. There has been a long debate on whether these leaflets change the behaviors of people effectively or not (Marks, 2011).Nevertheless, it is evident that some people change their behaviors while others remain reluctant.

Overview of the Ireland Get Active Leaflet

The Ireland Get active leaflet is concerned with physical exercises in an attempt to improve the health of the people. The leaflet focuses on guiding the reader on the type and quantity of physical activities they should involve themselves in for the betterment of their health. It mostly focuses on preventing chronic diseases which are the ones that mostly occur due to inadequate physical activities. The leaflet also mentions various types of physical activities such as walking, swimming and dancing.

The objective of this leaflet is to equip the readers with necessary information concerning the importance of physical exercises in an effort to curb coronary illnesses as well as improving their physical fitness.The leaflet targets people of all ages regardless of their gender but mostly targets at older people than young people. This is so as older people are usually more susceptible to heart diseases as a result of inadequate physical activities than young people.Using the Flesch formula, it is evident that the readability of this leaflet isfairy difficult. The Flesch score is therefore 50-59.Using the DISCERN tool, the leaflet is of moderate(partial) quality. A little improvement on the leaflet will make it better.

Areas on the Leaflets That Use Components of Psychological Theory

Psychological theory has various components which include behavioral, cognitive, developmental personality, humanist, social psychological and learning theories (Marks, 2011). With regards to the Ireland Get active leaflet, there are several areas where these components of psychological theory have dominated. The behavioral theory is well portrayed in the sections that highlight the behaviors that one should involve himself or herself to fit physically. Through highlighting the various types of physical exercises, the reader is able to learn which type of activity he or she should engage in under different circumstances. This is the learning element of psychological theory and it is also portrayed in most of the parts of in the leaflet.The development element of the psychological theory is well established in the leaflet wherethere are emphases on engaging in productive physical behaviors in an attempt to develop the overall health condition of people.

The author wrote the leaflet in that way to attract attention of the reader. By using multiple colors and also use of picture makes the leaflet appealing hence attracting many readers. The leaflet invokes a positive emotional response to the reader because of the way the information is as well as the pictures are portrayed. It makes the reader tobelieve that physical activities are remedies to heart problems. The language used in the leaflet is quite friendly and convincing and hence there are high possibilities of the readers changing their behaviors as far as physical activities are concerned.

PIL Improvement

For the purpose of improvement of the leaflet, I would display it in different ways in order to appear more appealing and also to increase its readability. First, I would leave spaces between words. This leaflet joins two words which can sometimes become difficult for the reader. Putting spaces between lines will highly improve the readability of the leaflet and hence the information will reach more people.It is also that the font used in the article is not clear and hence I would change the format to may be New Times Roman all any other font that is clear. Thisalso will enhance readability of the leaflet.

I can also be enhance the pictures in the leaflet and also make them more. I do this by putting real photographs of people doing various exercises. Under the behavioral element of the psychological theory, it is true that this will create confidence with the information on the leaflet and hence change their behaviors regarding their take in physical activities.

Overall Appraisal of Changes toPIL

When the above changes are done, it is a fact that the leaflet will be better. This leaflet has no age or gender restrictions although it targets older people more.My modification has not changed the targeted group; it has only enhanced the appearance and readability of the leaflet.The Flesch score will rise to 80-89 meaning that the readability of the leaflet will be easy and hence many people will be able to get the information clearly.Writing such leaflets for patients is highly recommendable in order to help the gain knowledge on particular fields of health. However, the leaflets should be made simple and readable to anyone interested.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that patient information leaflets play a great role in improving the overall health of the patients as well as preventing health problems to other people (Marks, 2011). Leaflets should be made available to anyone interested and should be simple and readable

References

Brien, M., Hass, C., & Savoie, A. (2012). Psychological Health. Canadian Journal Of Behavioural Science, 44(4), 288-299.

Chamberlain, K., & Murray, M. (1999). Qualitative health psychology: Theories and methods. London [u.a.: Sage Publications

Marks, D. (2011). Health psychology: Theory, research, and practice. Los Angeles, Calif: SAGE.