OBJECTIVES : Patient education tools (PETs) can help patients better understand their health condition, facilitate communication with clinicians, and improve condition management. The objective is to present methods for the development, content validation and evaluation of PETs against the standard information provided.

METHODS : PETs can be developed through a process involving: 1) a review of evidence, 2) qualitative research with patients and clinicians, and 3) a comparative study to evaluate the PET against the standard information provided.

RESULTS : The best-practice approach is presented with considerations for study design. 1) Review of existing evidence regarding standard information provided to patients helps to inform areas for improvement. Review of existing PETs provides insight into the content/format of the PET.

2) Qualitative research, including interviews or focus groups, provides insight to the current patient experience and information that patients want to receive, along with an understanding of the preferred presentation. Patients should be representative of the target population for the PET. Clinician input ensures PETs can be administered feasibly. Once developed, further qualitative research with patients and clinicians can validate PET content, ensuring comprehension and relevance in the intended population, also confirming clinical accuracy. Inclusion of patients with a range of educational levels is important for enhancing comprehension.

3) Evaluation of the PET via a comparative study can explore the impact of the PET when compared to standard information. Statistical analysis of comparative study data can compare mean scores for the PET and standard information for the concepts of interest, e.g., patient preference between the two forms of information. Statistical models can assess changes in a concept of interest prior to, and following, review of the PET or standard information, e.g., change in patient knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS : Evidence-based PETs are valuable tools to aid patient-clinician communication and improve patient knowledge of their condition.