Analysis of health information needs of elderly patients with chronic diseases based on Kano Model: a descriptive...

Owing to the ageing global population and increasing burden imposed by chronic diseases, the health information needs of older patients with chronic diseases have become increasingly complex and diverse. Traditional medical services are constrained in terms of addressing these needs effectively, and current research provides limited insight into the systemic classification and prioritization of their needs. Consequently, conducting an analysis based on the Kano Model holds considerable value, as it offers a structured approach for identifying the health information needs of older patients with chronic diseases.

A total of 469 older inpatients was selected from a tertiary general hospital in Zunyi City through convenience sampling between January and July 2024. The attributes of each demand were assessed using the Kano Model, satisfaction coefficients were computed and a two-dimensional matrix graph illustrating the relationship between demand and satisfaction was generated.

The health information needs questionnaire administered to older patients with chronic conditions identified 13 essential needs, 8 desired needs, 24 attractive needs and 8 undifferentiated needs. The two-dimensional matrix revealed that the advantageous category comprises 8 items, the improvement category comprises 24 items, the maintenance category comprises 7 items and the remaining 14 items fall under the maintenance category.

This study combines the Kano Model with the self-designed needs questionnaire to systematically classify and rank the health information needs of older patients with chronic diseases by priority. The results provide a novel analytical framework for related research. By clarifying the satisfaction paths of different types of needs, the study can serve as a valuable guide for optimising service supply and promoting the efficient allocation of health information resources. In addition, it establishes a theoretical foundation and practical reference for the management of chronic diseases and help to improve the personalised nursing level and healthy quality of life of older patients with chronic diseases.