Personalising patient education for lung cancer patients

Abstract

Personalising patient education is an important aspect that is needed for patients to become active in decision making and their treatment. Standardised methods are not enough and personalisation can make an improvement in healthcare by focussing more on the patient. This report focusses on patient education at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs). They are the experts in their field and in how patient education is given. Interviews were held with HCPs and observations of the consultation took place to analyze the current patient journey and process of patient education. The results of this research are visualisations of the current process of patient education, insights and opportunities to improve patient education, and a proposal on how to personalise patient education. Patient education can be personalised by personalising the methods, information and dialogue. This should start right at the beginning of the patient journey so that HCPs can focus on putting the patient’s goal as the priority throughout care. Personalised information will keep patients engaged and HCPs can provide personalised care based on their characteristics. This will create a dialogue between patients and HCPs to make shared decisions. Patients that have participated in decision making will be motivated to work on their set goal and understand what to expect, which will improve their satisfaction.