Patient experiences on the quality of cerebrovascular diseases counselling using digital solutions in hospital—A qualitative research study

Abstract

Aim: To describe patients' experiences of the quality of counselling to develop new digital counselling solutions for patients with cerebrovascular disease. Design: A descriptive, qualitative approach. Methods: Semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted among 22 patients diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular disease and treated as inpatients at a single university hospital in Finland between September 2021 and February 2022. Data were analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis. Results: The identified facilitators, barriers and possible solutions for the development of new digital counselling solutions were deductively categorized into five main categories: (1) background factors, (2) resources, (3) implementation, (4) sufficiency, and (5) effects and 12 generic categories. Patients with cerebrovascular diseases worry about symptoms affecting their ability to receive information and valued a supportive atmosphere. Staff should have more time for counselling and use motivational digital counselling solutions in plain language, moderate length and with multimedia content. Patients desired reminders, easy search functions and possibilities for two-way communication. Conclusion: New digital counselling solutions could be beneficial in supporting the patients' knowledge, emotions and adherence. For the success of such solutions, patients' special needs concerning different levels of cognitive impairment need to be considered. Impact: The results of this study may benefit healthcare organizations in the development of digital counselling solutions that meet the patients' needs. Reporting Method: We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines with the COREQ reporting method. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients were involved as the study population.