Learning needs of hospitalized veteran patients: developing a tool for practice

The purpose of the study was to develop a practical tool for easy administration by staff to identify Veteran patients' perceived learning needs. Initial development of the tool was based upon a comprehensive literature review, an expert panel review using a modified Delphi Method, and pilot testing of select patients. Two study phases each involved 200 patient interviews from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Buffalo, New York. The first phase showed that the tool, the 'Perceived Health Education Needs Scale' had strong internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis suggested one dominant factor of health. Similar results showing strong internal consistency and one dominant factor were found during a second phase. Veteran patients placed importance on a wide range of educational learning needs, independent of their immediate health concerns.