Developing a rapid access chest pain clinic: qualitative studies of patients' needs and experiences.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study are to understand the needs and experiences of rapid access chest pain clinic attenders and to determine the acceptability and effectiveness of simple procedural changes.


METHODS
Two qualitative studies of clinic attenders before and after procedural changes which were guided by the first study.


RESULTS
Study 1: Patients wanted to be reassured, by knowing what was causing their pain, understanding the cause, and feeling able to help themselves. Often, these needs were not met, and uncertainties left some patients feeling ill-equipped to help themselves. Communication problems were identified. Study 2: The changes were acceptable to patients, and almost all were reassured. Most valued receiving extra verbal and written advice and information. Many felt more aware of cardiac risk factors and intended to change their lifestyle.


CONCLUSIONS
There were clear opportunities for improvements in care. Changes in procedures helped patients to understand their pain, to practice self-management, and to consider altering their lifestyle.
Price
Jonathan R
JR
Department of Psychiatry, The Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK. jonathan.price@psych.ox.ac.uk
Mayou
Richard A
RA
Bass
Christopher M
CM
Hames
Rebecca J
RJ
Sprigings
David
D
Birkhead
John S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D016730:Program Development