Encouraging out-patients to make the most of their first hospital appointment: to what extent can a written prompt help patients get the information they want?
A randomised controlled study in which a written prompt was sent to new patients to help them make the most of their consultation was conducted amongst patients referred to the dermatology, gynaecology and orthopaedic out-patients clinics at the Royal Free Hospital, London. The impact of the help card on patients' expectations, preparation for and experience of their out-patient consultation are discussed. A help card and letter were sent to a random sample of patients before their appointment to encourage them to prepare and prioritize questions to ask the doctor at the consultation. After their consultation, patients were sent a postal questionnaire to complete at home. Analysis of the questionnaires provided quantitative and qualitative data about patients' information requirements and whether they were fulfilled. The results highlight the difficulties out-patients have in asking questions and discussing topics fully at their initial consultation, even when they have thought of questions in advance. Half the patients who were sent a help card said they got more out of their consultation as a result, yet few statistically significant differences between the help card group and the other patients were found.
Fleissig
A
A
Service Development Directorate, Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK.
Glasser
B
B
Lloyd
M
M
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D005260:Female; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D017010:Reminder Systems / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000592:standards* / Q000600:supply & distribution