Physicians' and nurses' perceptions of patient involvement in myocardial infarction care.
BACKGROUND
Patients' involvement in their healthcare has been associated with better health outcomes. However, few studies have examined whether patient involvement affects the work of healthcare professionals. A better understanding of professionals' views and behaviour is necessary for improving clinical practice and optimizing patient involvement.


OBJECTIVE
To measure perceptions and behaviour regarding patient involvement among physicians and nursing staff caring for patients with acute myocardial infarction.


METHODS
A questionnaire study conducted in 2005 among cardiology staff at twelve Swedish hospitals. The questionnaire included six scales measuring staff views and behaviour.


RESULTS
Physicians, registered nurses, and practical nurses did not differ significantly in their views of patient involvement, but did differ significantly in behaviour (p<.001). All three groups felt that an actively involved patient enriched their work, at the same time increasing their work load and taking time from other tasks. Physicians discussed daily activities and lifestyle changes with myocardial infarction patients before hospital discharge to a greater extent than nursing staff (p<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Physicians and registered nurses viewed time constraints as a hinder for patient involvement, while practical nurses felt unsure in communicating with patients. Considering these organizational and professional issues may improve patient involvement and health outcomes in myocardial infarction care.
Arnetz
Judith E
JE
Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. jarnetz@med.wayne.edu
Winblad
Ulrika
U
Arnetz
Bengt B
BB
Höglund
Anna T
AT
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016507:Cardiology Service, Hospital; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D009743:Nursing, Practical; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017748:Time Management; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology