INFO-LE - Evidence-based health information for patients with pulmonary embolism in the post-acute treatment phase

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction and stroke. The acute inpatient care is usually followed by an outpatient treatment of PE for a longer period of time. Patients often have a complex need for information, especially during the transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment. This concerns medical questions about the disease and therapy, but also information regarding how to deal with the disease and existing fears. However, scientifically proven, evidence-based health information corresponding to these needs does not currently exist.

The primary goal of the INFO-LE project is to develop an information booklet on PE. A pilot and evaluation phase will thoroughly test the effective components of the developed patient information. Another aim of the study is the development of a questionnaire. This questionnaire will be used in the future to assess the extent to which evidence-based health information helps patients to deal actively and responsibly with their disease, and how this contributes to the success of treatment.

To create the information booklet, already existing evidence-based information on PE will be reviewed and evaluated. In addition, the kind of information needed from the patients' perspective will be identified. Different pilot versions of the information material will then be tested by a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and finally evaluated in an optimized form on a patient sample. A literature review and interviews with patients and experts will be used in the development of the questionnaire.

If successful, the newly developed information booklet can be provided to PE patients at discharge for independent use. In this way, patients would be given more knowledge about their situation and thus also the opportunity to take a more active role in the care process in the future.

Consortium partners:

Techniker Krankenkasse, University of Augsburg (Department for Media, Knowledge and Communication: Division Media Effects and Processes)

Funded by:

The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA)