ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Aimed at supporting patient information, media forms were developed. While doing so patient views were predominantly not considered. Moreover, for one of the most common surgical procedures, herniated disk surgery, there rarely exists appropriate information material. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 29 people with experience of back pain were recruited to participate in focus group interviews, where conditions of satisfying consultations and needs regarding the design of an education film for herniated disk surgery were analysed. RESULTS: Frame conditions, desired education media and factors relating to the physician compose three complexes of general satisfaction criteria. Needs in terms of form and content design of an education film were discussed and registered in detail. CONCLUSION: Existing guidelines considering patient education are extensively consistent with patients' desires and should be implemented obligatorily. The use of audio-visual media as well as medical students' and physicians' training in soft skills requires expansion.
Subject(s)
Patient Education as Topic/methods , Preoperative Care/methods , Adult , Aged , Female , Focus Groups , Germany , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Young AdultABSTRACT
Due to a higher prevalence estimates of risk factors, it is assumed that socially disadvantaged persons have a considerable need for health-related information and prevention. Yet this target group is hardly ever reached. There is a need to examine whether available health-related information is appropriate for the needs of socially disadvantaged people. On behalf of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) a qualitative study was conducted to evaluate published health-related information by socially disadvantaged people. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 28 persons with low income, low occupational status and a very low education level. 7 different types of health information (4 texts and 1 film, quiz and flyer each) were evaluated regarding their suitability. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed according to protocol, and qualitatively analysed in view of the central questions. Respondents evaluate the film format most positively, because of the vividness of the contents. In text-based information, a clear structure of the text and the use of case examples are particularly advantageous. All respondents accept the credibility of the given information. Problems occur regarding the comprehensibility and sentence structures with complex information. Numerous technical terms and foreign words remain misunderstood, even though explanations are given in the text. Compact contents and the description of several alternative therapy options are experienced as overstraining. Furthermore, the recognition of hazard potentials is hindered by misinterpretation of percentages or negated descriptions of frequencies. Some respondents doubt that they would read text-based health information voluntarily in their everyday life, especially when texts are lengthy. The respondents wish clear guidance, which relieves them of an active informed decision-making. They prefer advice they can apply in their everyday life and to recognise their personal affliction in the information. It becomes apparent that the health-related information published by the IQWiG only partly meets the needs of socially disadvantaged people. But a mere simplification of the content seems insufficient. Instead a more detailed consideration of the personal circumstances of the target group and a better communication of practical information are needed.
