The chronically ill patients’ quality of counselling in the hospital

Abstract

Background: Patient counseling is one of the core elements in healthcare. The number of chronically ill people is increasing, whilst the number of additional stays in hospital that are required has dropped. Thus, there is less time to deliver good-quality patient counseling when they are in hospital. The aim of this study was to describe quality of patient counseling chronically ill patients’ in the hospital.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. A convenience sample (n=106) of patients, who had suffered ischemic attack, COPD or cardiac disease was employed. Data were collected using the Counseling Quality Instrument (CQI) questionnaire.

Results: Most chronically ill people received patient counseling about their disease symptoms, but there was lack of content of counseling about social support and the disease prediction. Half of the patients reported that their counseling had been implemented in planned manner and that they had experienced positive interaction during that counseling. Sixty percent of chronically ill patients had perceived patient counseling about the result of investigations, but half of respondents did not receive patient-centered counseling. Patient counseling had a positive benefit on the treatment of the chronically ill and their attitudes. Eighty percent of the patients were satisfied with the counseling materials and methods. Those over 60 years old and those who lived alone were the most dissatisfied with patient counseling.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that chronically ill patients’ counseling on social support and disease prediction require development. In addition, implementation of patient counseling should be more patient-centered and based on care plan.