Work

Health Goal Attainment and Satisfaction in Patients at Cardiovascular Risk. Findings of DECADE study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Health goals can help with behavioural changes. Self-assessment of goal attainment using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) offers a method for assessing individual goal attainment and satisfaction. Objective/question Analysis examined the frequency, attainment and satisfaction with self-set health goals in patients with at least one lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factor within the DECADE intervention study. Materials and methods Cluster-randomised controlled DECADE study included four study arms. Intervention groups received patient materials (IG1) and/or additional structured patient-centred consultations with their general practitioner (IG2 and IG3). The patients (n = 712) completed questionnaires at the start of the study (t0), after 6 months (t1) and after 12 months (t2). At t1 and t2, health goals, goal attainment (6-point Likert scale) and satisfaction (5-point Likert scale) were assessed. Analysis was performed using medians and group differences using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results At t1 and t2, participants reported a median of six health goals. The most frequently reported goals were healthy eating, regular physical activity and weight loss. Although patients had largely achieved their goals (Mt1=2.74 [0.33-5.00]; Mt2=2.71 [0.00-5.00]), they were only partially satisfied with the outcomes (Mt1=2.80 [1.00-5.00]; Mt2=2.75 [1.00-5.00]). Patients who received additional consultations (IG2 and IG3) showed significantly higher GAS scores at t2 than those in groups without consultations (CG0 and IG1) (M = 2.80; M = 2.86 vs. M = 2.50; M = 2.58, p = 0.004). No gender- or income-specific differences were found. Discussion The most frequently mentioned goals were lifestyle-oriented. The DECADE intervention with structured patient-centred consultations supports patients in attaining their health goals. Regular consultations appear to be particularly effective. Key messages • Structured, patient-centred consultations are beneficial for achieving health goals. • Even when goals are largely achieved, patient satisfaction may remain low - expectation management is key.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf161.1532

Authors: W Gräfe, I Tinsel, M Börger, T Kloppe, A Maun, H Riemenschneider

Institutions: Technische Universität Dresden, University of Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf

Language: English

Topic: Health Promotion and Cardiovascular Prevention

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,181