When you send a patient home with your words in mind, and a quality brochure in hand, you help relieve patient anxiety, enhance comprehension, and increase compliance.

That explains why, in an age of Web searches, texting, and instant online diagnosis, AAOS members continue to seek out Academy brochures and booklets for patient education, says Frances A. Farley, MD, chair of the Patient Education Committee.

To fulfill this ongoing need, the Academy has created a new line of patient education brochures—its first in more than 10 years. The contemporary new format features detailed anatomy drawings, inviting graphics, and concise, easy-to-read content. The series includes 15 titles, five of which are also available in Spanish.

Input from physicians, patients
In developing the new brochures, the Patient Education Committee incorporated feedback from various physician focus groups and surveys. Throughout the process, AAOS members were clear about what they want.

“The overriding message was that our members want educational materials that closely reflect the discussions they have with their patients,” Dr. Farley says.

Physicians also want brochures with appealing, easy-to-understand anatomy illustrations, and simple, straightforward copy.

Orthopaedic patients also had their say. The AAOS Patient Advisory Board weighed in on the brochures during a focus group session at the 2008 Annual Meeting.

“The advisory board looked at our three initial concepts,” recalls Dr. Farley. “It really helped to have their input while the brochures were still in the early stages of development.”

All of the feedback was incorporated into the new line of brochures, which cover a range of high-interest ortho­paedic topics. For a small fee, the brochures can also be customized with individual practice information.

Content is consistent with the articles in Your Orthopaedic Connection (YOC) (www.orthoinfo.org). All copy was reviewed by the members of the Patient Education Committee and the Public Relations Oversight Group.

Tying it all together
“Expanding the brochure program is just one aspect of our plan to build a patient education program that ties together all of our offerings—from the YOC Web site, to patient booklets, and future customizable products,” Dr. Farley says. “Our goal is to create a wide spectrum of patient education materials that provide orthopaedic surgeons with the tools they need to communicate and build relationships with their patients.”

Stock up today
For more information about the brochures, call 800-626-6726 or visit the Academy’s online store at www.aaos.org/products.

Carolyn Rogers is a staff writer for AAOS Now. She can be reached at rogers@aaos.org

Patient education brochures: What’s new?
The Academy’s new series of patient education brochures includes the following titles:

About Your Knee explains knee anatomy, function, and common knee problems.

Plantar Fasciitis describes the injury, its causes, diagnosis, and nonsurgical treatments.

Cast Care explains why casts and splints are used and identifies the warning signs of possible problems.

Hip Osteoarthritis* provides information on hip osteoarthritis, anatomy, causes, diagnosis, nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.

Knee Exercises explains knee anatomy and function, and features eight common therapeutic knee exercises. (Illustrative poster format)

Knee Osteoarthritis* describes knee osteoarthritis, anatomy, causes, diagnosis, and explains nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.

Osteoporosis* clearly defines this debilitating disease, identifying its causes and diagnosis and the various means of prevention and treatment.

Getting Ready for Joint Replacement* helps patients prepare for surgery with sections on being physically ready for surgery, what to expect during the hospital stay, how to prepare for returning home, ways to make the home safer, and tips to help with daily activities.

After Joint Replacement helps patients through their recovery from joint replacement surgery.

Frozen Shoulder explains frozen shoulder, its symptoms and causes, nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and rehabilitation.

Rotator Cuff Tears* describes rotator cuff tears, anatomy, causes, diagnosis, nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and rehabilitation.

Shoulder Exercises explains shoulder anatomy and function, and features eight common therapeutic shoulder exercises. (Illustrative poster format)

About Your Back explains basic spine anatomy and function, and provides an overview of common back problems.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis explains the condition, its symptoms, anatomy, nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and tips for maintaining a healthy back.

Herniated Disk provides information on disk herniation, anatomy, risk factors, and nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.

* Also available in Spanish.