What do writers need to know about user testing?

Abstract

Increasing amounts of information are being made available to patients – but how do we know if we are getting it right and meeting people's needs? In this article, we describe how we have employed user testing to test and improve not just information for patients, but also for professionals and others. This is built on the many years of using this technique, first at the University of Leeds and then through the spin-out company Luto Research (http://www.luto.co.uk).

Keywords:

• User testing
• Information for patients
• Health literacy
• Package leaflets
• Risk management plans
• Clinical trial lay summaries

Additional information

Notes on contributors

D. K. Theo Raynor

D. K. Theo Raynor is the inaugural Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Leeds. His 35 years of research focussed on improving the information people get about their medicines. He has advised the UK Government, the EMA, and the US FDA. He was awarded the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Kirstin Blackwell

Kirstin Blackwell is a psychology graduate who joined Luto Research in 2009. During her time with the company, she has worked with stakeholders from the pharmaceutical and medical device industries to develop and test a range of healthcare communication materials for EU and US markets.

Wayne Middleton

Wayne Middleton, Chief Executive, Luto Research, holds an MA in Health Communication Design and has worked in consumer health information for over a decade. Before joining Luto, he managed large scale projects for the Department of Health and NHS. He is a non-executive director of the Patient Information Forum.