Factors influencing patient education in shared medical appointments: Integrative literature review

Abstract

Objective: This integrative literature review investigates the factors influencing patient education in Shared Medical Appointments.

Methods: Following template analysis method, we used key concepts of the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Social Constructivism as a priori themes. After detailed analysis of the included studies, we deduced subthemes, forming a final template. Based on this final template, we analysed our data again as a final check.

Results: We included 22 studies. We found that the factors feeling of bonding, humour, feeling of safety, access to information, time, relationship participants-staff, modelling and self-regulation influence the education of SMA participants. Furthermore, we found that health care providers function both as leaders and peers.

Conclusion: We found eight factors that influence the education of SMA participants. Health care providers exert influence on these factors, but in turn, they are also influenced by them in their transfer of knowledge.

Practice implications: In order to create a climate of learning and to promote transfer of knowledge, these eight factors should be considered. Health care providers should be aware of their roles and they might need some extra skills for their leadership roles. This can also lead to practical implications for the curriculum in medical schools.

Keywords: Identification; Modelling; Patient education; Peer learning; Role of health care providers; Shared medical appointments.