Psychiatric Bulletin (2002) 26: 96-98. doi: 10.1192/pb.26.3.96
© 2002 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Psychiatric Bulletin (2002) 26: 96-98
© 2002 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Evaluating the quality of educational materials about schizophrenia

Collin Currie, Clinical Guidelines Coordinator, Paul Di Mambro, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Anne Joice, Occupational Therapist, Robin McGilp, Consultant Psychiatrist, Mike O'Neill, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, George E. Ralston, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Robert Davidson, Nurse Advisor — Mental Health & Care Programming Manager and Jan Scott, Professor of Psychiatry

Department of Psychological Medicine, Academic Centre, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust, Glasgow, G12 0XH

AIMS AND METHOD

To identify and evaluate the reliability and quality of educational materials provided to individuals with schizophrenia and their carers. Materials used by mental health professionals working in community and in-patient settings were collated. Two independent raters used the ‘Discern’ questionnaire to assess the publications.

RESULTS

Fifteen documents were identified, but only 11 were suitable for evaluation. Interrater reliability of ratings using the Discern tool was highly significant. No educational package scored maximum marks, but four scored in the good quality range. About a fifth of the materials in widespread use were assessed as of poor quality.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The use of a rating instrument to assess the quality of educational publications appears to be a reliable and acceptable way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of widely available materials. Staff can use these data to assess the quality of their preferred materials against other publications and make an informed selection.




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