How is test-related information communicated in Australian Emergency Departments? – ED clinicians’ and patients’ perspectives

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate the communication processes involving test-related information in Australian Emergency Departments (EDs); specifically what and how ED clinicians communicate test-related information to patients, what patients know and understand about the provided information, and how patients view the potential to access their test-results electronically. MethodsWe conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with clinicians (n = 26) and patients (n = 32) across three Australian EDs. Interviews were transcribed and analysed iteratively, following principles of qualitative content analysis and grounded theory. ResultsDepending on various contextual (e.g. time pressures) and patient factors (e.g. perceived health literacy), ED clinicians provided, and patients recalled receiving, test-related information along a continuum, ranging from “no or limited” information to “specific” information. Many patients were confused about how to access their test-results. Patients welcomed the potential for future electronic access to results but viewed their individual health and/or computer literacy skills and knowledge as potential barriers. ConclusionsEDs are highly dynamic environments where contextual forces impinge on the amount and quality of test-related information that clinicians communicate to ED patients. Practice ImplicationsSystemic and patient factors need to be addressed to optimise the provision of test-related information in ED settings, improve patient understanding and foster patient empowerment.