Abstract
Background: Active patient involvement can contribute to
improved treatment outcomes and more patient-centred
care. Yet, patient involvement remains a challenge in clinical practice.
Objectives: We aimed to develop a new tool, the PREparing
Patients for Active Involvement in medication Review
(PREPAIR) tool, to enhance systematic patient involvement in
conversations about medication optimization in general practice.
Methods: A literature review was conducted and followed
by co-producing activities: (1) a workshop with six GPs and
(2) pilot testing including observations and interviews with
22 patients, three GPs and three staff members. During this
process, continuous adaptations of the PREPAIR were made.
Results: The final tool included five questions: (1) satisfaction
with current medications, (2) experience of taking too much
medication, (3) major side effects, (4) experience of taking
unnecessary medication, and (5) medication-related topics to
discuss with the GP (open-ended question). The PREPAIR tool
was completed by the patient before the GP consultation to
encourage patient reflections on own medications. During
the consultation, the GP’s focus changed from the computer
towards the patient, questionnaire responses were reviewed,
and potential medication-related problems were discussed.
The patients were empowered to speak, and the GPs
improved their understanding of patient perspectives on
medications. Although some GPs suggested a broader scope
on health perspectives, the PREPAIR tool was received positively by both patients and GPs.
Conclusion: We developed a brief and valuable tool to support systematic patient involvement in general practice. Future
research should address whether the PREPAIR tool can contribute to improved patient outcomes and quality of care.
improved treatment outcomes and more patient-centred
care. Yet, patient involvement remains a challenge in clinical practice.
Objectives: We aimed to develop a new tool, the PREparing
Patients for Active Involvement in medication Review
(PREPAIR) tool, to enhance systematic patient involvement in
conversations about medication optimization in general practice.
Methods: A literature review was conducted and followed
by co-producing activities: (1) a workshop with six GPs and
(2) pilot testing including observations and interviews with
22 patients, three GPs and three staff members. During this
process, continuous adaptations of the PREPAIR were made.
Results: The final tool included five questions: (1) satisfaction
with current medications, (2) experience of taking too much
medication, (3) major side effects, (4) experience of taking
unnecessary medication, and (5) medication-related topics to
discuss with the GP (open-ended question). The PREPAIR tool
was completed by the patient before the GP consultation to
encourage patient reflections on own medications. During
the consultation, the GP’s focus changed from the computer
towards the patient, questionnaire responses were reviewed,
and potential medication-related problems were discussed.
The patients were empowered to speak, and the GPs
improved their understanding of patient perspectives on
medications. Although some GPs suggested a broader scope
on health perspectives, the PREPAIR tool was received positively by both patients and GPs.
Conclusion: We developed a brief and valuable tool to support systematic patient involvement in general practice. Future
research should address whether the PREPAIR tool can contribute to improved patient outcomes and quality of care.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | European Journal of General Practice |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 307 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| ISSN | 1381-4788 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Oct 2021 |