Perceptions of engagement in health care among patients with tuberculosis: a qualitative study

PURPOSE: Adherence to treatment is cited as a key challenge in fighting tuberculosis (TB). Treatment of TB requires patients to actively engage in their care. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of patients with TB regarding their engagement in health care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in three medical wards in one hospital. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Semi-structured, audiotaped interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients participated in the study. Four major themes emerged: 1) devaluing engagement; 2) interacting with health care providers (HCPs); 3) facing inability; and 4) seeking external support. CONCLUSION: The patients’ perceptions of their engagement in health care were generally negative. Paying attention to the preferences and needs of patients and making decisions accordingly are effective strategies for promoting patient engagement. Moreover, HCPs should be aware of their crucial role in helping patients make sense of what engagement is and how to engage. In the process of engagement, providers should establish effective interactions with patients and cooperate with family and peers.