In a sense, these information sheets serve as a physician extender that expands the physician's influence over the patients' health care. Increase the number of people who receive this information. The patient instructions can be read by other caretakers who are not present during the office visit. These caretakers may include the father, grandmother, child care provider, or baby sitter. Counteract forgetfulness and improve parent compliance with treatment regimens.
Written instructions reinforce verbal ones.
Forgetfulness is the most common cause of noncompliance. Most people can remember only two or three instructions. At times of crisis, people remember even less. Several studies have shown that compliance is increased if the specific recommendations are written out, but the physician rarely has time to write out all instructions. Written instructions are especially important with complex problems, e.g., enuresis, ADD, and asthma.