Communication and decision-making: a qualitative study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Communication and decision-making: a qualitative study of patients' and clinicians' experiences and co-design of professional development and patient information materials
IRAS ID
265674
Contact name
Chris Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Older people want to be involved in decisions about their care and need information to make informed decisions. However, it is often difficult to predict how particular treatments might affect individuals in their unique circumstances. This is especially true when people have multiple medical problems or take several medications: there may be several possible care options; there may be gaps in the scientific evidence; or it may be difficult to relate this evidence to each person’s own unique situation. This ‘uncertainty’ challenges patients, carers and professionals alike.
We aim to improve patient and carer involvement in decision-making in uncertain situations and to reduce the negative consequences of these situations.
The project has four work packages:
1. Interviews with patients, carers and doctors (separately) to understand their experience of a consultation in which there was uncertainty. By asking each participant about the same encounter, we will better understand how these interactions work.
2. Preparing vignettes (typical ‘stories’ of uncertain situations).
3. Holding focus groups with patients, carers and doctors to ask about training for professionals and information for patients; and identify other issues which may affect patient experience in uncertain situations.
4. Bringing together patients, doctors and others to design professional development and patient information materials to help in uncertain situations.
Following this study, we aim to develop and evaluate these training and patient information materials.
This study has been developed with the Leicestershire Older Persons’ Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) forum. Our project team includes a lay co-investigator and we will continue regular consultation with PPI and advisory groups (including patient representatives) throughout the study.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1991
Date of REC Opinion
30 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion