Why use the thermometer and colour scheme?
The visual reinforcement of advice given in consultation has proved to be a major factor in the effectiveness and recall of the advice by patients. After much work we found that the traffic light colours were most effective in indicating the level of each individual risk factor and the thermometer plus colour has proved to be very effective in indicating effects on health. It uses the well-known fact that high temperature in health is bad and lowering it is an improvement thus giving the memory a reinforcement as the advice on CHD prevention fits in with previous knowledge.
