Patient Preferences on Understanding Medical Tests and Monitoring Equipment in Hospitalized Care
Author(s)
Wael Saasouh, MD1, Avanti Gupta, MSc, DIC2, David Guz, DO3, Jamie David, MD3.
1Anesthesiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA, 2Imperial College London, South Kensington, United Kingdom, 3Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA.
1Anesthesiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA, 2Imperial College London, South Kensington, United Kingdom, 3Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA.
OBJECTIVES: This survey investigates hospitalized patients' perspectives on comprehending medical tests, monitoring equipment, and their preferences for information sharing. We aimed to identify key factors that influence patient engagement and their sense of control over treatment planning and care decisions.
METHODS: A US-based online survey was conducted in 2024; data collection ceased when 1000 complete responses were received (2 weeks). Respondents self-identified as having been hospitalized; the survey focused on comprehending medical tests, equipment used, and information provided by clinicians. Key questions addressed patients' desire for explanations about monitoring devices at the bedside, measured hemodynamic parameters, and potential health risks associated with abnormal readings. Further, patients were asked about their concerns regarding monitoring equipment and what factors could enhance their inclusion in treatment planning.
RESULTS: Results indicate that 94.9% of patients believe it is important to comprehend medical tests they are undergoing, with the majority expressing a desire for explanations about the function of devices at their bedside. Participants reported wanting prompt feedback on hemodynamic parameters. Additionally, 70% of patients desired detailed explanations regarding potential health issues related to abnormal measurements. Concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of monitors, as well as comfort level while being monitored, were prevalent. Nearly half cited increased involvement in treatment planning and being informed about progress as key contributors to participants' sense of control.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients desire increased transparency regarding diagnostic procedures and monitoring devices. Clear and comprehensible information sharing is crucial for enhancing patient engagement, mitigating concerns, and fostering a sense of autonomy in health management. Healthcare institutions are strongly advised to implement strategies that effectively deliver this information in a manner that is easily understood by patients, thereby empowering them to assume a more active role in their own healthcare.
METHODS: A US-based online survey was conducted in 2024; data collection ceased when 1000 complete responses were received (2 weeks). Respondents self-identified as having been hospitalized; the survey focused on comprehending medical tests, equipment used, and information provided by clinicians. Key questions addressed patients' desire for explanations about monitoring devices at the bedside, measured hemodynamic parameters, and potential health risks associated with abnormal readings. Further, patients were asked about their concerns regarding monitoring equipment and what factors could enhance their inclusion in treatment planning.
RESULTS: Results indicate that 94.9% of patients believe it is important to comprehend medical tests they are undergoing, with the majority expressing a desire for explanations about the function of devices at their bedside. Participants reported wanting prompt feedback on hemodynamic parameters. Additionally, 70% of patients desired detailed explanations regarding potential health issues related to abnormal measurements. Concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of monitors, as well as comfort level while being monitored, were prevalent. Nearly half cited increased involvement in treatment planning and being informed about progress as key contributors to participants' sense of control.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients desire increased transparency regarding diagnostic procedures and monitoring devices. Clear and comprehensible information sharing is crucial for enhancing patient engagement, mitigating concerns, and fostering a sense of autonomy in health management. Healthcare institutions are strongly advised to implement strategies that effectively deliver this information in a manner that is easily understood by patients, thereby empowering them to assume a more active role in their own healthcare.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
P47
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Instrument Development, Validation, & Translation, Patient Engagement
Disease
STA: Personalized & Precision Medicine