A tool supporting person-centred communication among people with cognitive complaints, care partners, and clinicians: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE

The tool Helder in Gesprek (HiG; translation 'Clear in Conversation') aims to enhance person-centred communication during consultations by supporting people with cognitive complaints to articulate topics they wish to discuss with their clinician. HiG also facilitates preparation at home through the selection of topic cards. This study investigates the feasibility of implementing HiG in a Dutch outpatient care setting.

METHODS

We conducted a feasibility study in memory clinics, geriatrics departments, and case manager settings. We recruited seven clinicians who recruited ten people with cognitive complaints with a scheduled visit and seven care partners. Observations were done during consultations (n = 12). Afterwards, all participants completed questionnaires and people with cognitive complaints and clinicians were interviewed. Audio-recordings of consultations and interviews were inductively coded and thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Fourteen out of twenty-one topic cards were discussed in consultations. HiG was generally well received, acceptable, and usable. The tool helped people with cognitive complaints to discuss topics they considered important and to feel seen as a person, and clinicians to know them better. People were likely to recommend HiG to others (7.9 ± 1.6). Some participants voiced implementation barriers, e.g., card sorting complexity and uncertainty about the optimal implementation point in patient journeys.

DISCUSSION AND INNOVATION: Many topic cards were deemed relevant and addressed in consultations, highlighting the relevance of person-centred communication. This study showed that the concept of HiG is feasible. Future research should address the effectiveness of the tool and implementation thereof in (outpatient) care practice.

INNOVATION: The tool provides people with cognitive complaints with power for agenda setting and agency over what they want to share with the clinician.