“Passing Out is a Serious Thing”: Patient Expectations for Syncope Evaluation and Management

• DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s307186
• Publication Date: 2021-06-03T21:52:39Z
• Authors: Jessica Miller Cl...; Matthew Sirrine; Colleen A McMullen; Amy M Cowley; Susan S Smyth; Vedant Gupta; Mark V Williams; Jing Li
• Keywords: Guideline; CLARITY

Purpose: Syncope is a complex symptom requiring thoughtful evaluation. The ACC/AHA/HRS published syncope management guidelines in 2017. Effective guideline implementation hinges on overcoming multilevel barriers, including providers' perceptions that patients prefer aggressive diagnostic testing when presenting to the emergency department (ED) with syncope, which conflicts 2017 Guideline Syncope. To better understand this perceived barrier, we explored patient and family caregiver expectations preferences ED syncope. Patients Methods: We conducted semi-structured focus groups (N=12) in-depth interviews (N=19) as well their caregivers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, analyzed by team of researchers following directed content analysis. Results reviewed shared iteratively all members confirm mutual understanding agreement. Results: caregivers discussed three main desires syncope: 1) clarity regarding diagnosis,; 2) context surrounding care plan approach; 3) feel seen, heard cared about health team. Conclusion: Clinicians have cited for barrier adhering Syncope, recommends against routine administration imaging (eg, echocardiograms). Our results suggest while participants preferred means achieve even feeling being for, other strategies, such patient-engaged approach communication decision-making, may address spectrum recommendations. Keywords: science, patients, statements