Patient Experience Journal (Nov 2016)
The evaluation of an information booklet in the use of effective patient communication in the setting of thoracic anesthesia
Abstract
Effective communication is crucial in assuring a good patient experience during an in-hospital stay. In some settings, such as thoracic anaesthesia, patients are given a heavy load of new complex information, in a very limited space of time. Written information, such as patient information booklets, could help as an aid memoir and improve patient’s subjective understanding and preparedness for procedures. This study aims to produce a booklet, specifically targeted at thoracic anaesthesia, and to evaluate it using a linguistics framework in relation to the patient experience and clinical communication. For the study, a booklet was produced in the context of thoracic anaesthesia – a setting where the doctor-patient interaction is limited by time factors. The booklet was produced with reference to the BALD criteria. A questionnaire was given to patients with the booklet, focussing on patient’s subjective reflections on the effects of the booklet. The patient questionnaires showed that readability and comprehensibility of the booklet were high (96% and 93%, respectively). After having read the booklet, there was a statistically significant increase in patients feeling well informed, knowing about side-effects, what would happen in the anaesthetic room, and who to contact regarding any questions, compared to before. According to patients, giving information booklets at the time of admission could benefit patients. They are seen as an effective way of enhancing doctor-patient communication, in a setting where time could limit this interaction. They can be used effectively as a means of increasing patient’s perceived knowledge and thus improving the patient experience.
