Short summary

The study investigates how patients and relatives can be involved in decisions about medication by use of shared decision making and information and communication technology. 

The study takes place in a general surgical ward where 110 nurses receive educational training in patient involvement. Data will be collected by use of a questionnaire, a field study, and a medical file review. In total, 264 patients, 24 relatives, and 24 nurses will be included.

Rationale

The aim of the study is to investigate how involvement of patients and relatives in treatment and administration of medication affects the perspectives of patients, relatives, and nurses.

Background: Patient involvement in medical treatment is requested by patients, as they want more information about the treatment and to adjust the treatment to their everyday life. The World Health Organization (WHO) has with the "Medication without harm" announced that communication between patients and health care professionals about medication must be improved. The use of shared decision-making, and information and communications technologies might be the answer to the patients' requests, but there is a gab of knowledge in the field.

Methods: The study has a comparative pre- and post-intervention design using qualitative and quantitative methods. The study will be performed in a gastrointestinal surgical department with 80 beds and 110 nurses in the Region of Southern Denmark. Data will be collected through a field study, a questionnaire study, and a medical file review. In total, 264 patients, 24 relatives, and 24 nurses will be included. 

 The study includes two interventions; 1) implementation of a model of shared decision-making, where the patients inform the professionals about their experiences and preferences about medication, and the professionals inform the patients/relatives about treatment options and medication precautions; 2) development and implementation of an information and communication technology to facilitate mutual information between patients/relatives and health professionals to facilitate a shared decision about medication. 

Perspectives and implications for practice: The study is expected to provide knowledge about how an oral and a digital communication strategy can complement each other in involvement of patients and relatives in treatment and administration of medication. From the results of this study, we expect that the strategies can be transferred to other groups of health professionals, departments, and hospitals in Western countries.

Description of the cohort

Patient and nurses in a general surgical department.

Data and biological material

Data from participant observation, qualitative interviews, questionnaires, and medical file review.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital

• Project Manager Mette Maria Skjøth, PhD
• Consultant Emilie Nielsen

Centre for Clinical Development, Odense University Hospital

• Consultant Stina Brogaard Andersen, PhD

Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, Antwerpen Univsersity, Belgium

• Professor Tinne Dilles, PhD