Eliciting patient and caregiver perspectives to improve the public reporting of rehabilitation quality measures

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate patients' and caregivers' abilities to comprehend information on rehabilitation quality measures, and select high‐quality rehabilitation facility.

Design
We used exploratory, qualitative study using cognitive interviewing.

Setting
Three Outpatient rehabilitation facilities in metropolitan Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Participants
The study participants included 27 patients or three caregivers, 63% female; 36.7% white, 43.3% African American, 10% Asian, 10% missing/other; health literacy: 59% at the 8th grade level or lower; age range: 33–94.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Patient and caregiver comprehension of quality measures.

Results
Respondents understood some rehabilitation quality terms, but had difficulty with medical terminology; linking quality measures to hospital quality; explaining choice of “better” quality facility; and reading tables. The research team simplified terminology, definitions, layout, and design; added an introduction to provide a framework for understanding quality.

Conclusions
Quality measure information can be difficult to understand and use. When reporting quality measures, use plain language, avoid medical jargon, follow logically sequenced content, easy‐to‐read layout, provide framework for understanding quality, and solicit consumer feedback.

Clinical Implications
Not applicable.

---
An earlier version of this report was presented, in part, at the National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers annual meeting, May 2009, Washington, DC.