Factors affecting information retention in orthodontic patients.

INTRODUCTION Our purpose was to determine the factors that affect patients' retention of information provided in different formats. METHODS Eighty new patients attending clinics were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 groups. The first group was given a commercial information leaflet about orthodontic treatment, and the second group saw a visual computer program with the same information. Both groups were given additional verbal information. Short- and longer-term retention of information were assessed using a questionnaire. Age, sex, ethnicity, index of relative deprivation of area of residence, and the time taken to view or read the information were recorded. Linear regression analysis was undertaken to assess the relationship between retention of information and these variables. RESULTS The response rates for the first and second questionnaires were 100% and 67.5%, respectively. The method of information provision was found to be the only statistically significant factor affecting information retention, with the visual computer program group achieving higher scores than the written information leaflet group. CONCLUSIONS Computer-based visual information was shown to be a better method for information retention. Consequently, it is worth considering providing information to orthodontic patients in a more visual format if it is to be retained most effectively.