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?

Patient Educ Couns. 1999 Sep;38(1):69-79. doi: 10.1016/s0738-3991(98)00124-4.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Academic Medical Centers
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Appointments and Schedules*
  • Correspondence as Topic
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Public
  • Humans
  • London
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Referral and Consultation*
  • Reminder Systems / standards*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Teaching Materials / standards*
  • Teaching Materials / supply & distribution