Evolution of information needs in patients affected by coronaropathy and hypertension

Background: Several studies on chronic diseases have underlined the need for personalized healthcare, taking into account patients’ information needs and preferences, to support their proactive health management. Our study aimed to explore the evolution of information needs in patients affected by two chronic diseases. Method: 338 hypertensive and 195 patients with coronaropathy completed an assessment questionnaire three times along 12 months. Descriptive analyses were conducted to identify information needs and trust degree in different sources of information; trend analyses were performed to analyze their evolution along time. Findings: For both the pathologies, the key information needs were for a full understanding of the disease; information about behavioral habits emerged as a minor theme. Specialists were perceived as the most trustworthy source of information over time. Discussion: Findings provide suggestions to assist healthcare professionals in tailoring quantity and quality of information for chronic patients in order to improve their disease management