‘It’s the best of two evils’

A study of patients’ perceived information needs about oral steroids for asthma

Datos Bibliográficos

ID19508676
AutoresFiona A Stevenson (0000-0003-2139-2309, University of Derby), Gwen Wallace (University of Derby), Peter Rivers (0000-0001-9409-3137, University of Derby), David Gerrett (University of Derby)
Año1999
Volumen2
Número3
Páginas185-194
Fecha de publicación1999-09-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1046/j.1369-6513.1999.00055.x
PMID11281895
OpenAlexW2153475728
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas7
Referencias citadas18

Objectives To explore the sources of patients’ knowledge about the potential side‐effects of oral steroids prescribed to treat asthma. Methods Seventeen in‐depth interviews were conducted with patients taking prescribed oral steroid medication (prednisolone) for asthma. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data organized according to common themes. Results All the respondents acknowledged they had no choice but to take oral steroids but they wanted to be informed about the potential side‐effects. Respondents reported that they had not received sufficient information about side‐effects from their general practitioner (GP). Information was sought from both medical sources (pharmacists and asthma nurses) and non‐medical sources (friends and family, self‐help groups and the media) to supplement their knowledge. The conclusions drawn about the risks of taking oral steroids were also influenced by respondents’ existing beliefs. Conclusions Respondents drew upon information about oral steroids from a variety of professional and lay sources. The findings add weight to calls for doctors and patients to share their respective knowledge in consultations. Developing an understanding of the views of GPs about the provision of information about side‐effects would help to identify any perceived barriers to a more open exchange of information in the consultation

Asthma · Family medicine · Medical information · Patient education · Asthma and respiratory diseases · Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills · Medicine · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Internal Medicine