Patient agenda setting in respiratory outpatients: A randomized controlled trial.
Soliciting a patient's agenda (the reason for their visit, concerns and expectations) is fundamental to health care but if not done effectively outcomes can be adversely affected. Forms to help patients consider important issues prior to a consultation have been tested with mixed results. We hypothesized that using an agenda form would impact the extent to which patients felt their doctor discussed the issues that were important to them. Patients were randomized to receive an agenda form to complete whilst waiting or usual care. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients agreeing with the statement 'My doctor discussed the issues that were important to me' rated on a four-point scale. Secondary outcomes included other experience and satisfaction measures, consultation duration and patient confidence. There was no significant effect of agenda form use on primary or secondary outcomes. Post hoc exploratory analyses suggested possible differential effects for new compared to follow-up patients. There was no overall benefit from the form and a risk of detrimental impact on patient experience for some patients. There is a need for greater understanding of what works for whom in supporting patients to get the most from their consultation.
Centre for Self-Management Support, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK frances.early@addenbrookes.nhs.uk.
Frances
F
Early
Centre for Self-Management Support, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.
Angharad Jt
AJ
Everden
Fincham Statistics, Barsham House, High Street, Fincham, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE33 NEL, UK.
Cathy M
CM
O'Brien
Centre for Self-Management Support, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.
Petrea L
PL
Fagan
Centre for Self-Management Support, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.
Jonathan P
JP
Fuld
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D015272:Pulmonary Medicine / Q000379:methods; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000628:therapy*
Agenda form; outpatients; patient satisfaction; question prompt; respiratory