Bridging the gap between patient needs and quality indicators: a qualitative study with chronic heart failure patients

Figures & data

Figure 1 Summary of the domains of the QI from the German National Disease Management Guideline for chronic heart failure and the interview guidelines’ themes.

Abbreviations: QI, quality indicators; ECG, electrocardiogram; ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme.

Table 1 Patient characteristics (n=17)

Sex
Female (n)	5
Male (n)	12
Age (in years)
Mean (SD)	71.5 (11.6)
Range	51–87
Employment
Retiree	14
Housewife	1
Others	2
Number of additional chronic conditions
Mean (SD)	4.4 (1.8)
Number of taken drugs (self-reported)
>7 drugs	13
<7 drugs	4

Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.

Table 2 Category system on patient-relevant aspects of quality of health care

Quality of health care in general

• Satisfaction related to the respective health care sector

• Systemic framework conditions in health care

• Doctor–patient relationship

• Communication and information needs

• Professional behavior/professional competences

• Individuality

• Easy access to care

Initial evaluation – establishment of diagnosis

• Patients’ experience of illness in the early stages of a chronic illness

• Urgent need for communication at the beginning of a chronic illness

• Diagnostic measures as a matter of course

Treatment and professional advice

• Pharmacological treatment

• Nonpharmacological treatment

• Coping with the illness in everyday life

• Self-management

• Psychosocial aspects/need for psychosocial support

Follow-up

• Relevance of actions regarding follow-up

• High relevance on weight control

• Procedure of blood testing

Coordination of care

• Primary contact person and coordinator

• Cooperation across disciplines and health care sectors

• Support in the community setting

• Transition to palliative care