[NIFL-HEALTH:3781] Assessing how well people follow written instructions

From: Jay Gribble (jng@georgetown.edu)
Date: Fri Sep 27 2002 - 15:23:02 EDT


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From: Jay Gribble <jng@georgetown.edu>
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Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3781] Assessing how well people follow written instructions
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We have recently finished designing a package insert for a new family
planning product called CycleBeads.  We have fieldtested specific parts
of the insert, asking OB/Gyn clinic patients how they would explain
certain paragraphs to another person, and have modified several sections
based on their responses,  We think that the research improved
readability and comprehension of the insert.
Now we want to test the insert to find out if the instructions are clear
enough for potential users to use them on their own to (1) screen
themselves to determine if it is an appropriate method for them, (2)
determine when to start using the method, and (3) how to use the beads
to track their menstrual cycles.  The method is very easy to use after
counseling, but we want to evaluate how well people can read and apply
the directions that come in the package with the CycleBeads, without any
counseling.

Is anyone familiar with any similar research—or appropriate search terms
in the literature to provide some theoretical basis?  What about fields
other than health—such as buying a product and having to follow
directions to assemble it.  Marketing? Cognitive behavior?

Thanks.
Jay Gribble
Institute for Reproductive Health
Georgetown University
www.irh.org



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