Information provision in neurological dysphagia - impact of a booklet on
patient's knowledge, happiness and satisfaction.
Abstract
Dysphagia has physiological and psychosocial consequences for patients
and their caregivers. Although the psychological impact of dysphagia can
be devastating, research has privileged the physiological and clinical
outcomes of the disorder. Provision of information may enhance patient’s
knowledge and ability to cope with the disorder. In the present study,
an original booklet and routine information procedures where compared
regarding satisfaction with communication, subjective feeling of
happiness, and knowledge about dysphagia in patients and caregivers. A
convenience sample of 27 patients with neurological dysphagia was
allocated to an experimental group (n = 14) who received the booklet,
and a control group (n = 13) submitted to the routine information
procedures. Evaluation of type and severity of dysphagia was performed
in both groups, and participants were surveyed at two moments (T1 and
T2) regarding subjective well-being – Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS)
and satisfaction with the communication- Satisfaction Survey adapted
from Patients Satisfaction with the Interview Assessment Questionnaire
(PSIAC). Patient’s knowledge about dysphagia was evaluated at At T2.
Statistically significant higher level of SHS and knowledge about
dysphagia was found in the experimental group at T2. Conversely,
Satisfaction was lower in the control group at T2 compared with T1. This
study provides compelling arguments for combining verbal and written
information in patients with neurological dysphagia. The use of the
booklet made a significant contribution to patients’ knowledge.