Implementing patient question-prompt lists into routine cancer care.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2012;
86:252-258. [PMID:
21741195 DOI:
10.1016/j.pec.2011.04.020]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Revised: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To examine the feasibility and acceptability of routine provision of patient question prompt lists (QPLs) to promote patient participation and patient-clinician communication in medical consultations.
METHODS
Four cancer centres across NSW, Australia (two rural, two urban) were invited to participate, involving distribution of QPLs to patients seeing a medical or radiation oncologist, or palliative care clinician. Patients rated their satisfaction after their next consultation. Cancer specialists provided their views at the end of the study.
RESULTS
Sixty-four percent (389/606) of patients attending consultations received a QPL. Of patients offered a QPL (426), 91% accepted. Of 139 patients surveyed post-consultation, 89% reported reading the QPL and, of these, 44% referred to the QPL during the consultation at least once. All of 10 cancer specialists providing their views post-implementation reported that QPL implementation in routine practice was feasible and did not strain resources.
CONCLUSIONS
Cancer patients and cancer specialists showed support for routine dissemination of the QPL.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
For successful implementation of evidence-based tools we recommend promotion by local clinical champions, negotiation with clinic staff about dissemination methods, raised patient awareness through on-site project facilitators, media, consumer and support groups, and availability of resources in hard copy and via online sources.
Collapse