Eliciting patient and caregiver perspectives to improve the public reporting of rehabilitation quality measures.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate patients' and caregivers' abilities to comprehend information on rehabilitation quality measures, and select high-quality rehabilitation facility.


METHODS
We used exploratory, qualitative study using cognitive interviewing.


METHODS
Three Outpatient rehabilitation facilities in metropolitan Chicago, Illinois, USA.


METHODS
The study participants included 27 patients or three caregivers, 63% female; 36.7% white, 43.3% African American, 10% Asian, 10% missing/other; health literacy: 59% at the 8th grade level or lower; age range: 33-94.


METHODS
Patient and caregiver comprehension of quality measures.


RESULTS
Respondents understood some rehabilitation quality terms, but had difficulty with medical terminology; linking quality measures to hospital quality; explaining choice of "better" quality facility; and reading tables. The research team simplified terminology, definitions, layout, and design; added an introduction to provide a framework for understanding quality.


CONCLUSIONS
Quality measure information can be difficult to understand and use. When reporting quality measures, use plain language, avoid medical jargon, follow logically sequenced content, easy-to-read layout, provide framework for understanding quality, and solicit consumer feedback.


CONCLUSIONS
Not applicable.
School of Nursing & Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA. cpapadimitriou@niu.edu
Christina
C
Papadimitriou
Susan
S
Magasi
Holly
H
Demark
Caitlin
C
Taylor
Michael S
MS
Wolf
Allen W
AW
Heinemann
Anne
A
Deutsch
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019985:Benchmarking; D002641:Chicago; D032882:Comprehension; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D009626:Terminology as Topic