Patients' satisfaction with information on disease and morbidity

Area of Science:

• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Patient Education
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Patient satisfaction with health information is crucial for managing disease and improving outcomes.
• Limited research exists on the correlation between patient information satisfaction and disease morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between patients' satisfaction with disease information and their overall morbidity.
• To identify differences in information satisfaction between patients with recent illness and hospitalized cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive-correlational study utilizing questionnaires.
• Two samples were used: 235 individuals with recent illness (network sampling) and 254 post-surgery cancer patients (consecutive sampling).
• Validated instruments included the Patients' Satisfaction with Information Questionnaire (PSIQ) and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist.

Main Results:

• Participants reported general dissatisfaction with information received about their disease.
• Dissatisfaction was significantly higher among hospitalized cancer patients compared to those with recent illness.
• A significant inverse correlation (p < 0.001) was found between patient satisfaction with information and physical, psychological, and global morbidity.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare professionals must enhance patient information delivery to improve health outcomes.
• Investing in patient education is a critical nursing care intervention that can reduce patient morbidity.
• Addressing information deficits can lead to better disease management and patient well-being.