Working memory and the design of health materials: a cognitive factors perspective.
OBJECTIVE
Working memory and other supportive cognitive processes involved in learning are reviewed in the context of developing patient education materials. We specifically focus on the impact of certain design factors such as text format and syntax, the inclusion of images, and the choice of modality on individuals' ability to understand and remember health information.


METHODS
A selective review of relevant cognitive and learning theories is discussed with regard to their potential impact on the optimal design of health materials.


RESULTS
Working memory is measured as an individual's capacity to hold and manipulate information in active consciousness. It is limited by necessity, and well-designed health materials can effectively minimize extraneous cognitive demands placed on individuals, making working memory resources more available to better process content-related information.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to evaluate specific design principles and identify ideal uses of print versus video-based forms of communication for conveying information.


CONCLUSIONS
The process of developing health materials should account for the cognitive demands that extrinsic factors such as modality place on patients.
Wilson
Elizabeth A H
EA
Health Literacy and Learning Program, Center for Communication in Healthcare, Institute for Healthcare Studies, Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. eahwilson@northwestern.edu
Wolf
Michael S
MS
D019985:Benchmarking; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003071:Cognition; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory; D017145:Models, Educational; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011588:Psychology, Educational; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000592:standards; D014743:Videotape Recording