Patients' decision-making experiences in the acute healthcare setting - a case study
Patients' decision-making experiences in the acute healthcare setting - a case study
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DOI：
10.1111/scs.12224
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发表时间：
2016-03-01
影响因子：
1.9
通讯作者：
Kalaitzidis, Evdokia
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Kalaitzidis, Evdokia
BackgroundThe transition from being an ordinary citizen to a hospitalised patient can be a daunting experience particularly for the uninitiated and inexperienced. Patients are likely to have questions such as where do I go?', what should I do?', when?' and who should I ask?' The process for making practical moment-to-moment decisions is often complex and fraught with difficulties. Identifying critical points in the hospitalisation experience may provide insights into the quality of hospital management systems and professional practices from a patient perspective.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify institutional practices and structures in the context of acute healthcare settings which impact on patient moment-to-moment decision-making experiences.MethodA case study approach was used as the exploratory methodology, and interviews were conducted with three former adult inpatients. In order to gain an understanding of each participant's experiences, data collecting strategies used in this research were a semistructured interview and document analysis of information documents, such as hospital supplied pamphlets, provided to the researcher by the participants.ResultsThe study identified five major themes. Identified as being critical to the participants were information sharing by healthcare professionals, professional advice and professional role identification. Less so were environment and everyday life. Associated with these themes were the participant's common experience of being confined in unfamiliar surroundings, adjusting to institutional routines and of being heavily dependent on others.ConclusionFindings indicate that patient moment-to-moment decision-making may be informed and enhanced in several areas: relevant and timely information sharing, varying the dress code between the different professions, reducing conflicting professional advice, clear signage around the hospital, and flexible visiting hours, telephones and clocks in patient rooms.
