BOS prescribes new PILs

2 February 2009

British Orthodontic Society prescribes new PILs

Two readable new Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) have been developed by the British Orthodontic Society to given to patients and the introduction of the new titles brings the total to twelve in the PIL library. The two new leaflets, developed by the Clinical Standards Committee of BOS, cover the subjects of Orthodontic Mini Screws and Oral Health. Each one follows an informal question and answer format to allow patients to readily understand and absorb bite-sized portions of information about their potential treatment and on-going care.

The leaflets are produced to help reinforce the verbal advice given to orthodontic patients at chair side. Unfortunately, many patients forget a significant proportion of the information given to them within a short time of leaving the consulting room. The PILs are deliberately kept succinct and to the point as research shows that people are affected by ‘a three minute culture’ and have limited attention spans, so it is important to get the salient points across in a clear and simple fashion.

Dyslexia-friendly

What makes these information leaflets particularly user-friendly is that they have been produced with guidance from the Plain English Campaign and British Dyslexia Association to make them easier for patients to read. This extends beyond the clarity of the wording to the way it is laid out, the size of the text and the colour of the print. The British Dyslexia Association advised the BOS that by using a cream background with a matt finish and by avoiding using red text, the information would be more easily assimilated by those with dyslexia.

All future Patient Information Leaflets will adhere to these guidelines and when current leaflets are revisited, they too will be refreshed to ensure that they are as readable as possible.

David Morris, Chairman of the Clinical Standards Committee which developed the leaflets commented: “Both new PILs should provide orthodontists with a useful written adjunct on the diverse topics of general mouthcare and the role of mini-screws in modern orthodontic practice. Good oral care is a basic requirement for all our patients prior to and during their orthodontic treatment. The new PIL should provide struggling patients with a useful aide-memoir on the main methods of achieving healthy gums and teeth for life.”

He added “The emergence of mini-screws, with their ability to provide non-compliant orthodontic anchorage, is still evolving. However, as it is an invasive procedure, it is important that we provide prospective patients with up to date information on their potential use. This PIL will be regularly updated as more robust scientific evidence concerning their clinical effectiveness comes to light.”

More titles

The other titles in the PIL series are:

The Mini Screws and Oral Health patient information leaflets are available from the BOS by calling 020 7353 8680. The cost is £12 per 100 (plus £15 postage and packing). Copies can also be viewed or downloaded for free from the BOS website: www.bos.org.uk.

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Issued on behalf of The BOS by Positive Communications. For more information and images please contact:Tracy Posner on 020 8566 8811/ tracyposner@postivecomm.com or Catherine Domanski on 07738 287764/ catherine.domanski@positivecomm.com