Implementing patient question-prompt lists into routine cancer care

Publication Type:
Journal Article
Citation:
Patient Education and Counseling, 2012, 86 (2), pp. 252 - 258
Issue Date:
2012-02-01
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Objective: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of routine provision of patient question prompt lists (QPLs) to promote patient participation and patient-clinician communication in medical consultations. Methods: Four cancer centres across NSW, Australia (two rural, two urban) were invited to participate, involving distribution of QPLs to patients seeing a medical or radiation oncologist, or palliative care clinician. Patients rated their satisfaction after their next consultation. Cancer specialists provided their views at the end of the study. Results: Sixty-four percent (389/606) of patients attending consultations received a QPL. Of patients offered a QPL (426), 91% accepted. Of 139 patients surveyed post-consultation, 89% reported reading the QPL and, of these, 44% referred to the QPL during the consultation at least once. All of 10 cancer specialists providing their views post-implementation reported that QPL implementation in routine practice was feasible and did not strain resources. Conclusions: Cancer patients and cancer specialists showed support for routine dissemination of the QPL. Practice implications: For successful implementation of evidence-based tools we recommend promotion by local clinical champions, negotiation with clinic staff about dissemination methods, raised patient awareness through on-site project facilitators, media, consumer and support groups, and availability of resources in hard copy and via online sources. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
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