Development and evaluation of a questionnaire for measuring patient views of involvement in myocardial infarction care.

BACKGROUND

Patients' involvement in their healthcare has been associated with improved treatment outcomes in chronic illness. Less is known about the affects of patient involvement on the outcomes of acute illness, such as myocardial infarction. A better understanding of patients' views and behaviour during hospitalization might improve clinical practice and enhance patient involvement.

AIM

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a questionnaire for measuring patients' perceptions of their involvement during hospitalization for myocardial infarction care.

METHODS

Focus groups with myocardial infarction patients provided the basis for the construction of the questionnaire. Questionnaire validity and reliability were evaluated in a small pilot study and a larger cross-sectional study among myocardial infarction patients at eleven Swedish hospitals.

RESULTS

The questionnaire demonstrated good validity and reliability, with six factors measuring patient views and behaviour regarding involvement.

CONCLUSION

The questionnaire appears to be a useful tool for evaluating the perceptions and behaviour of patients regarding patient involvement in myocardial infarction care. Use of this questionnaire may provide insight regarding areas of patient-staff interaction that need improvement. Pinpointing such areas may lead to improved patient involvement, satisfaction with care, and treatment outcomes.