When it's time to update an existing pamphlet, the Patient Education Team will email to remind you and your team that an update is needed. If edits to a pamphlet are needed before the 3-year cycle, please email pamphlets@nshealth.ca to let us know.
How do I update a pamphlet?
- Contact pamphlets@nshealth.ca to let us know you are ready to start the updating process. We’ll send you the most recent version in a format ready for updating (MS Word). Let your manager know you are starting this process, so they are ready to review and approve, if needed.
- Review using 'Track Changes' in Word (.doc, .docx) or add comments as 'Sticky Notes' to a PDF (.pdf), so that we can quickly see your edits. Check things like contact information and clinic hours, make sure your instructions are up-to-date, etc. Share with your team members and Patient Family Advisors for input and feedback.
- While reviewing, please do not add any formatting, regardless of how you'd like the final version to look. Tell us if the content needs formatting changes and we will make these for you.
- When the draft is ready for us to implement your changes, send it back to pamphlets@nshealth.ca. We will review for plain language again and take note of any formatting changes needed.
- Please note, our standard formatting and language may have changed since your pamphlet was last published. We review all content to make sure it meets our current guidelines, even if you and your team note that no clinical updates are needed. This helps us make sure all items in the collection have a consistent look and feel, and are as easy to read as possible. You and your team will have a chance to review our changes and provide feedback before approving.
- Review the final changes and have a manager or supervisor authorize the update using the Patient Pamphlet Approval Form. If you are approving on behalf of someone, please note this within the form.
Questions to consider when reviewing and updating patient education pamphlets:
- Do we need this pamphlet? Is there another pamphlet in the collection that is more current and will meet our needs?
- Does this pamphlet reflect evidence-based/best practice? Have any changes in clinical practice been incorporated?
- Is the contact information (including phone numbers, places, and times) listed still current?
- Is the equipment used still current?
- Are the medications listed still current?
- Are there changes to pre- or post-op instructions?
- Are patients in the target population using the information? Missed appointments, phone calls about pamphlet content, and failure to follow instructions may indicate that patients are confused by the content or do not find it relevant.
Tips for updating a pamphlet:
