Neurosurgical patients' preferences and experiences of involvement during hospitalisation.

Abstract

Background: There has been an increased focus on patient involvement in health care worldwide, with studies showing that involving patients in their treatment and care is associated with positive outcomes. However, there is a dearth of knowledge about inpatient preferences and experiences of involvement in neurosurgery in Scandinavian countries. This study aimed to identify inpatients' preferences regarding their involvement in their treatment and the extent to which they experienced being involved in their treatment and care during admission.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered in a neurosurgical department. Patients' preferences and experiences regarding their involvement in their treatment and care were assessed using a validated questionnaire.

Results: One hundred patients were enrolled in the study. Eighty-two percent of them preferred sharing responsibility for their treatment with their doctor, 16% preferred leaving their treatment decisions entirely up to the doctor; and two percent preferred making the final decision about their treatment independently. The average participation score for information, communication, and participation was 4.08, suggesting that the patients experienced a high level of involvement in their care and treatment. Thirty patients reported preferences for changes during admission, while 25 suggested ideas for improvement.

Conclusions: The patients mostly preferred shared decision-making about their treatment during hospitalization and generally reported high involvement in their treatment and care. The results showed a desire for improved information sharing and dialog among healthcare professionals, patients, and relatives.