Nurse–patient consultations in primary care: do patients disclose their concerns?

Abstract

If these data are representative, this has profound implications for person-centred care and shared decision-making models of care, which are predicated on patients articulating their needs. They also have implications for the development of practitioners' communication and consulting skills.

A new quality of life consultation template for patients with venous leg ulceration

“…Data from these observations was analysed descriptively 2 and revealed that 38% of patient concerns were not raised, a further 38%…”

“…2 These phases constituted preparatory work for the development of this consultation template and full details have formed the basis of earlier publications. 1,2…”

“…2 Theories relating to the personal characteristics of patients attempt to explain their responses to chronic conditions which include a reluctance to disclose key factors, an unwillingness to relinquish control to the nurse and, for some, a lack of coping with the perceived consequences of the condition. [3][4][5] Research that explores patient-centred care (PCC), although limited, purports positive benefits for patients who engage with care including optimised participation, enhanced satisfaction, positive clinical outcomes and improvements in quality of life (QoL).…”

“…10,11 Despite such benefits, research suggests that practitioners' continue to fail to elicit patient main concerns during consultations and many patients remain reluctant to disclose key factors relating to their condition and / or care. 2,[9][10][11] Thorne 12 highlights that health care professionals (HCP) and patient communication is a pivotal opportunity within the consultation, with effective dialogue having the potential to optimise autonomy and maintain independence. 13,14 In the light of such research and in order to ensure such key QoL issues for people with CVLU receive appropriate attention during future consultations; a new, evidence-based and patient-focused template has been developed using a Nominal Group (NG) approach.…”

“…1,2 In phase 1 factors of importance to people with CVLU were systematically identified during unstructured interviews (n=9). (Figure 1 During phase 2, 2 the wound care consultations of the same study participants (n=5)…”