Amsterdam 2015
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| Abstract #2117 - Poster 2 | ||||
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Session: 59.12: Poster 2 (Poster) on Tuesday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Jenny Petrak - Homerton Sexual Health Services, United Kingdom |
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| Additional Authors: | ||||
| Aim: Background Patient-centred care including effective communication with patients is widely advocated as best practice in medicine but research continues to suggest that there are many barriers which impede these interactions, for example, patient confidence to bring up their concerns and clinicians increasingly working under time restraints (Fong et al, 2010). As the care paradigm in HIV shifts from acute disease and poor prognosis to chronic disease management, this leads to greater intervals between clinician – patient consultations with an increasingly biomedical focus. However, addressing broader holistic concerns is linked to improved communication, satisfaction, engagement, and outcomes in HIV care (Tabor et al, 2013). In this study, we aim to: 1. introduce the Wellness Thermometer (WT) as a tool towards enhancing effective clinician – patient communication and 2. examine the acceptability of the WT to patients. | ||||
| Method / Issue: Method The Wellness Thermometer (WT) (adapted from the widely used Distress Thermometer in Oncology) was developed by a group of health care professionals and PLHIV representatives specifically for use in HIV populations. It was developed with the aim of identifying holistic current concerns related to HIV in a brief amount of time which can then be prioritised in patient – clinician communication. A survey to assess the acceptability of the WT was developed and completed by patients in six clinics in the UK over a four week period. Patients were asked to respond to a series of statements about the usefulness of the WT in identifying concerns and enhancing communication. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Results 231 PLHIV from six clinics completed the survey. 185 (80%) PLHIV strongly agreed/agreed with the statement ‘The Wellness Thermometer helped me identify my concerns’ and 176 (76%) agreed that it will be helpful to use to record concerns between appointments. 182 (79%) strongly agreed/agreed with the statement ‘The Wellness Thermometer improved my conversation with my doctor/nurse’. 192 (83%) of participants also agreed that they would recommend the WT to other people with HIV. | ||||
| Discussion: DiscussionThe WT was well received by participants and seen to be of value in identifying concerns both within in and in-between consultations with clinicians. In addition participants thought that the tool improved communication with their health care professional, The WT is easy to complete and interpret and provides a holistic overview of current concerns related to HIV. There is however a need to assess the acceptability of the tool for use in routine clinical care. Health care professionals will require training in the use of the WT and how to address psycho-social concerns if they are indicated. Fong. J & Longnecker, N. Doctor-Patient Communication: A Review. The Ochsner Journal 10:38–43, 2010.Tabor E. et al. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 201363(3):362–366 | ||||
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