Evaluation of Australian dermatological postoperative patient information leaflets: Should we have a national checklist?

Background/objectives: Patient information leaflets (PILs) are frequently provided to patients following dermatological surgery to provide advice and reassurance in the community. This evaluation reviewed the guidance specified in postoperative PILs across the 40 Australian dermatology teaching departments and clinics.

Methods: All 40 departments and clinics were identified and asked to provide their postoperative information leaflets on sutured wound care (preferable) or excision biopsy (September-October 2015).

Evaluation of the Readability of Dermatological Postoperative Patient Information Leaflets Across England.

Background: Postoperative patient information leaflets (PILs) provide important guidance to patients after skin surgery. Readability is a method of evaluating information for text comprehension. The recommended level for PIL readability is US grade ≤6.

Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus.

Background: This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 2, 2004 and previously updated in 2007 and 2009.Tinnitus can be described as the perception of sound in the absence of external acoustic stimulation. At present no specific therapy for tinnitus is acknowledged to be satisfactory in all patients.

Modifications of the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Background: Benign paroxsymal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a syndrome characterised by short-lived episodes of vertigo associated with rapid changes in head position. It is a common cause of vertigo presenting to primary care and specialist otolaryngology (ENT) clinics. BPPV of the posterior canal is a specific type of BPPV for which the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre is a verified treatment.