["Who is glossary?"--Focus-group evaluation of an evidence-based consumer information brochure on risk of falling and fall prevention in the elderly]. / "Wer ist Glossar?"--Fokusgruppen-Evaluation einer evidenzbasierten Verbraucherinformation zu Sturzgefährdung und -vorbeugung im Alter.

ABSTRACT

Evidence-based patient and consumer health information (EBPI) implies unbiased presentation of the scientific evidence aimed at consumers' informed decision making. A number of consumer information brochures on fall prevention in the elderly have been developed. However, none of these fulfil the criteria of EBPI. It is almost unknown how elderly people respond to EBPI. We performed three focus-group interviews including 19 senior citizens to explore the comprehensibility and acceptance of an EBPI on risk of falling and fall prevention strategies. The analysis of the interviews revealed that the majority of participants did not understand the aim of the brochure, although it was explicitly stated. Most of them had expected concrete instructions on fall-risk management. The numerical and graphical figures and tables displaying fall-risk factors, fall and fracture incidence, and efficacy of the interventions were predominantly judged as confusing and unfamiliar. Beside negative emotional reactions, devaluation, and selective information seeking, a relevant number of participants also appreciated the objective and non-indoctrinating character of the EBPI. Our investigation confirms limited acceptance of EBPI which might predominately be caused by unsatisfied expectations and unfamiliarity with this kind of information.