Papadimitriou C, Magasi S, Demark H, Taylor C, Wolf MS, Heinemann AW, Deutsch A.
Rehabil Nurs. 2013 Jan-Feb;38(1):24-31. doi: 10.1002/rnj.63.
School of Nursing & Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA. cpapadimitriou@niu.edu
PURPOSE: To evaluate patients’ and caregivers’ abilities to comprehend information on rehabilitation quality measures, and select high-quality rehabilitation facility.
DESIGN: We used exploratory, qualitative study using cognitive interviewing.
SETTING: Three Outpatient rehabilitation facilities in metropolitan Chicago, Illinois, USA.
PARTICIPANTS: The study participants included 27 patients or three caregivers, 63% female; 36.7% white, 43.3% African American, 10% Asian, 10% missing/other; health literacy: 59% at the 8th grade level or lower; age range: 33-94.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patient and caregiver comprehension of quality measures.
RESULTS: Respondents understood some rehabilitation quality terms, but had difficulty with medical terminology; linking quality measures to hospital quality; explaining choice of “better” quality facility; and reading tables. The research team simplified terminology, definitions, layout, and design; added an introduction to provide a framework for understanding quality.
CONCLUSIONS: Quality measure information can be difficult to understand and use. When reporting quality measures, use plain language, avoid medical jargon, follow logically sequenced content, easy-to-read layout, provide framework for understanding quality, and