Poll finds involvement is a patient choice priority
Patients want more time with professionals to discuss treatment
options |
More involvement of patients in decisions about their condition and treatment is an overwhelming priority for both the public and health professionals, according to a survey published by the Department of Health.
The MORI survey was carried out as part of last autumn’s Government
consultation on increasing choice in health care and was published this
week. The questionnaire was available online and on paper from October
to November, last year, with the entire public invited to participate.
Some 2,401 responses were received: 1,486 from members of the public
and 915 from NHS staff.
Seventy-six per cent of participants wanted more patient involvement
in treatment decisions. This was the top priority for participants regardless
of age, gender, region or disability.
The second and third most important elements identified in the survey
were treating patients with respect and dignity and listening to their
views and opinions, cited by 59 per cent and 47 per cent, respectively.
Being listened to is particularly important for those with long-term
illnesses and disabilities.
Information was seen as essential to patient choice. Most patients (88
per cent) said that they needed more information to make decisions and
choices about their treatment and care. Patients wanted detailed information
about conditions and unbiased facts about the entire range of treatments
available, including alternative therapies. They wanted clearly written
explanations in simple language, developed in consultation with patients
and the public.
Some 85 per cent of participants wanted more support to make informed
decisions. Patients wanted more face-to-face time with health professionals
to ask questions, discuss options and more time to digest information.
Participants thought this would need increased staffing, agreeing that
better use of health professionals could help.
Patients wanted staff to have time to explain the small details, direct
them to information sources and to work through confusing issues. Respondents
wanted a less paternalistic approach from health professionals in a culture
of information sharing. They wanted to be listened to in a non-judgemental
way, with health professionals happy for them to seek second opinions.
Health Minister John Hutton said: “This research gives us valuable
feedback as the NHS starts gearing up to put these fundamental changes
in place. It raises important issues that we will address as we develop
the details of implementation — with the NHS, not for it. We are
hearing time and time again that information is essential for patients
to have real choice. We are already making major investment in IT systems
and patient information across the NHS and we will ensure there is no
loss of momentum in this programme of reform.
“We will continue to listen and learn, working with patients and
the NHS, as we move towards 2005, to ensure that patients are confident
that they
have the right information at the right time to make the choice that
is right for them.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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