Lisa Hyde1, Lisa Mackenzie2, Allison W Boyes2, Tiffany-Jane Evans3, Michael Symonds4, Rob Sanson-Fisher2. 1. Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia. Electronic address: Lisa.L.Hyde@uon.edu.au. 2. Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia. 3. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia. 4. Hunter New England Imaging, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Responsiveness to information preferences is key to high-quality, patient-centred care. This study examined the top ten preparatory information items not delivered in accordance with medical imaging outpatients' preferences, and patient characteristics associated with reporting a greater number of unmet information preferences. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography outpatients were recruited consecutively in one major public hospital waiting room. Participants self-administered a touchscreen computer questionnaire assessing their sociodemographic and scan characteristics, and unmet preferences for 33 guideline-endorsed preparatory information items. RESULTS: Of 317 eligible patients, 280 (88%) consented to participate. Given equal rankings, the top ten unmet information preferences included 13 items which were endorsed by at least 25% of participants, and commonly related to receiving 'too little' information. One item related to the pre-scan period, seven items to the scan period and five items to the post-scan period. None of the patient characteristics examined were significantly associated with reporting a greater number of unmet information preferences. CONCLUSION: There is room to improve responsiveness to medical imaging outpatients' preparatory information preferences. Improvements should be targeted at individuals, rather than groups defined by sociodemographic or scan characteristics. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A standardised approach to addressing individual patient's information preferences is needed.
OBJECTIVE: Responsiveness to information preferences is key to high-quality, patient-centred care. This study examined the top ten preparatory information items not delivered in accordance with medical imaging outpatients' preferences, and patient characteristics associated with reporting a greater number of unmet information preferences. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography outpatients were recruited consecutively in one major public hospital waiting room. Participants self-administered a touchscreen computer questionnaire assessing their sociodemographic and scan characteristics, and unmet preferences for 33 guideline-endorsed preparatory information items. RESULTS: Of 317 eligible patients, 280 (88%) consented to participate. Given equal rankings, the top ten unmet information preferences included 13 items which were endorsed by at least 25% of participants, and commonly related to receiving 'too little' information. One item related to the pre-scan period, seven items to the scan period and five items to the post-scan period. None of the patient characteristics examined were significantly associated with reporting a greater number of unmet information preferences. CONCLUSION: There is room to improve responsiveness to medical imaging outpatients' preparatory information preferences. Improvements should be targeted at individuals, rather than groups defined by sociodemographic or scan characteristics. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A standardised approach to addressing individual patient's information preferences is needed.