Health Literacy Needs of Acute Pancreatitis Patients During the Diagnosis and Treatment Process Under the Lens of the Timing It Right Theory: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background

The incidence and recurrence rate of acute pancreatitis (AP) continues to increase worldwide. The risk of AP attack and recurrence is closely related to the patient’s health literacy. Previous studies have shown that AP patients had low levels of health literacy. Understanding patients’ experience in AP’s diagnosis and treatment process and their health literacy needs might significantly improve their health status.

Objective

This study aims to understand the experience of acute pancreatitis (AP) patients in the diagnostic and treatment process and explore their health literacy needs at various phases of this process.

Methods

This study utilized a qualitative approach based on Timing It Right theory. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to select 31 participants diagnosed with AP at various phases of the diagnosis and treatment process. These patients were selected from the Pancreatitis Treatment Centers of two tertiary hospitals in Eastern China. Subsequently, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the selected participants. The qualitative data was analyzed using the Colaizzi’s method.

Results

The themes of AP patients’ experiences and health literacy needs at various phases of the diagnosis and treatment process were presented as follows. 1. Diagnosis phase: inability to obtain disease information, psychological support seeking, and change unhealthy lifestyle; 2. Hospitalization phase: disease treatment information needs and medical professionals’ healthcare. 3. Discharge Preparation phase: fear of recurrence, individualized healthy lifestyle instruction. 4. Home Recovery phase: self-management, continuous healthcare needs, and family support.

Conclusion

AP patients’ HL needs and health-related problems vary during the diagnosis and treatment process. Medical professionals should comprehend AP patients’ changing needs and individual differences, provide continuous healthcare, and involve families in patient management. These factors support patients’ long-term self-management and preserve their overall health.