Patient-identified information and communication needs in the context of major trauma

BMC Health Services Research, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-2971-7 · Published: March 8, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study explores the communication and information needs of seriously injured patients during their recovery. It looks at their experiences with healthcare professionals in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and at home. The study found that patients often face challenges in communicating with healthcare providers, especially when many professionals are involved or when transitioning between care settings. Positive communication, on the other hand, is facilitated by clear language, active listening, and empathy. The researchers recommend patient-centered communication approaches and better coordination of information to support patients throughout their recovery.

Study Duration

3 years

Participants

65 major trauma patients

Evidence Level

Qualitative study nested within a population-based longitudinal cohort study

Key Findings

1
Many patients experienced barriers to communication with health professionals across different care settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and the community.
2
Patients often reported insufficient information provision and difficulties in coordinating information, particularly during transitions of care.
3
Positive attributes such as active discussion, clear language, listening, and empathy from health professionals facilitated effective communication and improved patient satisfaction.

Research Summary

This qualitative study explored the communication and information needs of 65 major trauma patients over three years post-injury, revealing significant challenges in accessing, using, and understanding health information. The study identified key issues such as limited contact with health professionals, insufficient information, poor information coordination, and the impact of health literacy on patient understanding and engagement. The findings emphasize the need for patient-centered communication, multimodal information provision, and improved coordination of care to support seriously injured patients throughout their recovery.

Practical Implications

Improve Health Literacy Environment

Healthcare organizations should ensure their environment supports patients with varying health literacy levels by using plain language and visual aids.

Enhance Patient-Centered Communication

Healthcare professionals should actively engage patients in discussions, listen to their concerns, and provide empathetic support.

Coordinate Information and Care Transitions

Implement systems to ensure seamless information transfer between healthcare providers and provide patients with a single point of contact for coordinating their care.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited to patient perceptions of communication, excluding health professionals' perspectives.
2
The study only included English-speaking participants, potentially overlooking the experiences of those with language barriers.
3
Recall bias may affect the accuracy of patients' memories of communication experiences over an extended period.

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