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A question sheet to encourage written consultation questions
1School of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
Quality in Health Care : QHC
|June 10, 2000
Summary
A simple question sheet intervention empowered parents and children in paediatric neurology clinics, improving information exchange during consultations. This approach enhanced patient engagement and control without increasing consultation time.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Neurology
- Health Services Research
- Patient Engagement
Background:
- Parents and children attending paediatric neurology clinics often struggle to ask questions during consultations.
- Effective communication is crucial for managing chronic conditions and ensuring patient understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a process enabling parents and children to obtain desired information during clinic visits.
- To improve the quality of communication and information exchange in paediatric neurology consultations.
Main Methods:
- A question sheet intervention was implemented in two UK paediatric neurology clinics.
- Patients were offered a sheet to write down questions before the consultation.
- Data collected included sheet uptake, reasons for refusal, patient satisfaction, and physician-reported effects.
Main Results:
- 47% of patients used the question sheet, with 84% liking it and 80% finding it useful.
- Doctors reported that the sheets facilitated the identification of unexpressed concerns and fears.
- Patients reported increased initiative and control, particularly in subsequent visits, with no negative impact on consultation duration.
Conclusions:
- A user-friendly question sheet is an effective intervention for enhancing patient-provider communication in paediatric neurology.
- The intervention empowers parents and children, leading to greater engagement and control over their healthcare.
- Successful implementation requires staff training and support to integrate the new consultation format effectively.