Abstract
Executive Summary: A focus group workshop was completed to qualitatively assess the Rheumatic Heart Disease screening material. Overall, the group were happy with the question style approach and section layout.
The group advised less literate people would struggle to read the material. A literacy assessment (Appendix 1) supports the finding. To bring the material within the recommended skill levels, we suggest revising it to:
• Increase the use of plain and simple language
• Remove acronyms and technical terms
• Replace with layman words
• Increase the use of personal language; “you” and “your”
Overall participants suggested the material requires mitigation of the doubts raised and increased assurance about the necessity for, and outcomes from, the screening. Tables of participant suggestions are provided throughout the report.
Note: This report was commissioned by the Rheumatic Heart Disease Screening project group, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, to assess the Rheumatic Heart Disease Information Pamphlet produced by the group. Based on the findings of the focus group, several changes were made to the RHD Information Pamphet, documented in a brief report, available at https://hdl.handle.net/10523/44796. The final version of the Rheumatic Heart Disease Information Pamphlet is available at https://hdl.handle.net/10523/44798.