Abstracto

Cardiac patients experiences regarding health care decisions

Enaam Al-Ananbeh

Background: Patient’s involvement in health care decisions has been associated with improved treatment outcomes. Little is known about cardiac patients experiences regarding involvement in health care decisions in Jordan. Therefore, it is important to explore the level of involvement in health care decisions from patient’s perspectives.

Aims: To explore the subjective experiences of cardiac patients regarding their involvement in health care decisions in Jordan. Design Descriptive phenomenological approach has been selected to underpin this study

Methods: A purposive sample consisting of sixteen cardiac patients who were admitted to cardiac centre at one public hospital in Jordan were interviewed. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews. Data generation took place over a period of six months (December 2017-May 2018). Data were analysed using a five - step technique proposed by Giorgi (1985).

Results Findings revealed five major themes:1) Patient’s problems that require decision-making are being attended to by HCPs. 2) The approach used by HCPs in communicating with patients is comforting 3) Information provided to patients is helpful 4) Patient’s preferences regarding D.M style vary 5) Sociocultural influence and religious factors influence patient’s role in D.M.

Conclusion: Patients have positive attitudes toward active involvement and sharing role in health care decisions. Most patients preferred to rely on HCPs to take the final decision. Patient’s preferences were influenced by communication, sociocultural and religious factors, as well as their health status. The differences in patients ‘preferences and values should be considered and recognized when considering patients’ involvement for best outcomes.