Empowering Patients With a Shared Communication Tool: A Patient-Oriented Multimethods Pilot Study

Abstract

Not all patients feel empowered to take on the expanding role as active members in their healthcare journey. Healthcare services must shift attention to supporting patients and families in this emerging role. This support includes providing communication tools designed for patients and families to empower them to speak up. Two Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were conducted to test a communication tool, the Jargon Alert!/WAIT card, with patients/families and providers in a Canadian rehabilitation hospital. After the first PDSA cycle, feedback from patients/families (n = 24), and providers (n = 4), informed modifications. The new Question Alert! card was retested in the same clinics. Patients/families (n = 13) reported the new card was a valuable tool enabling them to ask questions, although not all patients or family members expressed the need to use the card. The participating providers (n = 4) thought the Question Alert! card was helpful for quieter patients or family members who normally shy away from asking questions. The shared communication tool designed with patients improved the patient-centered experience and empowered patients/families to be more involved in their care.