Information for test participants

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Patient information leaflets for medicines contain a lot of information. And that is a good thing, as patients should know what they are taking and what the intended effects are and what the possible side effects are.

Since a few years now, drug manufacturers need to test the patient information leaflets to find out whether they are clear and understandable for the average user. To assess this, these leaflets are tested by groups of average people. Such a test is usually called a 'readability test'.

Although we are based in the Netherlands, our customers frequently ask us to test English language leaflets. Therefore we are always interested in getting to know English speaking people who live in or around Leiden and who are interested in participating.

How does it work?

The test is taken in our office, right behind the Leiden Central railway station. We will make an appointment for a day and time that suits you best. Prior to the test, we will let you quietly read the leaflet so that you know what it is all about. Then we will ask a number of questions. These are are not difficult question, but just the ones that you could ask yourself, such as 'Do I take these tablets with water?', 'Can I drive after taking these tablets?' or 'Can I take these tablets when I am pregnant'. If you can find the answers without too many problems this is an indication for us that the leaflet is clear.

If you can't find the information or don't understand the information, this probably means that the leaflet is not clear enough.

We are not testing you! You are testing the leaflet!

Remember: during a readability test, you are the tester and you test the leaflet.

Who can become a test participant?

There are very few requirements. The most important one is that you are a native speaker of English. We need to find 'the average person' for each test. Of course, the average person does not exist, and therefore we form groups of people in a balanced mix of old/young, men/women, and higher/lower education. A readability test takes between 30 and 45 minutes and you will receive a € 15 gift certificate.

Interested?

If you are interested, please click on "Form" on the left, fill out the form, and press Send Form.

To register, you can also phone us (071-5680862).