Viewpoint: Why I prescribe podcasts to my patients

During my revision for the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) part of the MRCGP examination, I finished many simulated consultations by referring paper leaflets for patients to collect at reception. Such leaflets corroborate information given within the consultation and provide supplementary information about a condition or medication in primary care. In my current practice, I print out leaflets on clinical conditions and on medications but wonder whether patients actually read them, how much they retain, and whether leaflets directly change health behaviour. A systematic review of literature reviews¹ suggested that leaflets do improve patient knowledge and medication adherence. However, within many countries health literacy is often low, especially in low socioeconomic groups whose health needs may very well be …