An Electronically Delivered Person-Centered Narrative Intervention for Persons Receiving Palliative Care: Protocol...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Patient-Centered Care
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Electronic health records (EHRs) primarily reflect clinician-centered data.
• Integrating patient narratives into EHRs can improve communication by including cultural values and beliefs.
• This study adapted a person-centered narrative intervention (PCNI) for all-electronic delivery in an outpatient setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the feasibility, usability, and effects of an all-electronic PCNI on patient-reported outcomes.
• Identify barriers and facilitators to internet-based PCNI from patient and clinician perspectives.
• Assess acceptability, usability, and fidelity for EHR integration of internet-based PCNI.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method, single-arm feasibility study conducted over 3-4 weeks.
• Patient recruitment via screening outpatient palliative care clinic schedules.
• PCNI delivered via email and Zoom; patient-reported outcomes collected at baseline, 24-48 hours post-intervention, and 1 month post-baseline.

Main Results:

• 189 potential patient participants were approached, with 20 enrolled.
• 7 clinician participants were enrolled, with exit interviews and a focus group conducted.
• Data collection occurred from May 2021 to September 2022; analysis was expected by June 2023.

Conclusions:

• Findings from this study and acute care settings can inform clinical practices and policies.
• The study offers innovative approaches to integrate person-centered care delivery.
• The all-electronic PCNI shows potential for enhancing patient-clinician communication in outpatient settings.