An evidence-based template proposal for patient information leaflets

Abstract

Patient information leaflets are a heavily regulated text genre. In Europe, Australia, and the United States, authorities have issued mandated templates with instructions for these leaflets. Ideally, templates optimize the findability of medicine information. In previous research, we have encountered several findability problems. In subsequent studies, we have examined some alternative structures. Although we did not find the perfect structure, we can suggest improvements. This paper synthesizes research results into a new proposal, compatible with the empirical evidence so far. More generally, it shows what kind of decisions are involved in the development of an improved text genre template.