Stefanie Simmons1, Brian Sharp2, Jennifer Fowler3, Hope Fowkes4, Patricia Paz-Arabo4, Mary Kate Dilt-Skaggs5, Bonita Singal3, Thomas Carter6. 1. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ann Arbor, USA. Electronic address: ssimmons@epmg.com. 2. University of Wisconsin Hospital, Division of Emergency Medicine, Madison, USA. 3. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ann Arbor, USA. 4. St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Livonia, USA. 5. MSN Southern Ohio Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portsmouth, USA. 6. DO Southern Ohio Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portsmouth, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We developed a communication instrument to be used in the Emergency Department (ED) and hypothesized that use of this guide would increase patient comprehension of and satisfaction with care. METHODS: This multi-site trial enrolled 643 patients in treatment and control groups. Comprehension of care was assessed by chart review and satisfaction measured via validated survey. RESULTS: Use of the instrument was not associated with improvements in patient knowledge about their care, with a mean of 4.6 (95% CI: 4.8-5.8) comprehension defects in the control group and 4.4 (95% CI: 3.9-4.9) in the treatment group. There was no significant effect on patient satisfaction 76.4% versus 76.9%, p=0.34. Elderly patients in both groups were found to have 1.1 (p<0.01) more knowledge gaps than younger patients. CONCLUSION: Patients frequently misunderstand medical care in the ED. Comprehension decreases with increasing age. An isolated communication instrument does not improve satisfaction with or understanding of the care received. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Providing a structured place for providers and patients to record details of care does not seem to improve satisfaction with or comprehension of care. Interventions that focus on communication skills and face time with patients may prove more effective.
OBJECTIVES: We developed a communication instrument to be used in the Emergency Department (ED) and hypothesized that use of this guide would increase patient comprehension of and satisfaction with care. METHODS: This multi-site trial enrolled 643 patients in treatment and control groups. Comprehension of care was assessed by chart review and satisfaction measured via validated survey. RESULTS: Use of the instrument was not associated with improvements in patient knowledge about their care, with a mean of 4.6 (95% CI: 4.8-5.8) comprehension defects in the control group and 4.4 (95% CI: 3.9-4.9) in the treatment group. There was no significant effect on patient satisfaction 76.4% versus 76.9%, p=0.34. Elderly patients in both groups were found to have 1.1 (p<0.01) more knowledge gaps than younger patients. CONCLUSION:Patients frequently misunderstand medical care in the ED. Comprehension decreases with increasing age. An isolated communication instrument does not improve satisfaction with or understanding of the care received. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Providing a structured place for providers and patients to record details of care does not seem to improve satisfaction with or comprehension of care. Interventions that focus on communication skills and face time with patients may prove more effective.
Authors: Eva S van den Ende; Bo Schouten; Mikkel Brabrand; Prabath W B Nanayakkara; Christian H Nickel; Marjolein N T Kremers; Tim Cooksley; Chris P Subbe; Immo Weichert; Louise S van Galen; Harm R Haak; John Kellett; Jelmer Alsma; Victoria Siegrist; Mark Holland; Erika F Christensen; Colin A Graham; Ling Yan Leung; Line E Laugesen; Hanneke Merten; Fraz Mir; Rachel M Kidney Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2021-05-19 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Ruhee Shah; Alessandra Della Porta; Sherman Leung; Margaret Samuels-Kalow; Elizabeth M Schoenfeld; Lynne D Richardson; Michelle P Lin Journal: West J Emerg Med Date: 2021-10-27