Effectiveness of a patient education intervention in enhancing the self-efficacy of hospitalized patients to recognize and report acute deteriorating conditions

Patient Educ Couns. 2014 Oct;97(1):122-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2014.07.003. Epub 2014 Jul 24.

Abstract

Objective: To develop and pilot test the effectiveness of a patient education intervention in enhancing the self-efficacy of hospitalized patients to recognize and report symptoms of acute deteriorating conditions.

Method: Using cluster randomization, acute care general wards were randomized to the experimental and control groups. 34 patients in the experimental group received a 30-minute patient education intervention on Alert Worsening conditions And Report Early (AWARE) while 33 patients in the control group received the routine care only. Levels of self-efficacy to recognize and report symptoms were measured before and after the intervention.

Results: The level of self-efficacy reported by the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: The AWARE intervention was effective in enhancing the self-efficacy of hospitalized patients to recognize and report acute deteriorating conditions.

Practical implications: Patient engagement through patient education could be included in the rapid response system which aims to reduce hospital mortality and cardiac arrest rates in the general wards.

Keywords: Deterioration; Patient education; Recognize and report symptoms.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Inpatients / education*
  • Inpatients / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Self Care / methods
  • Self Care / psychology*
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Singapore