Objective: To systematically explore and elicit individual patient's preferences in the management of their hypertension using Q-methodology.
Methods: Using Q-methodology, 120 patients ranking 42 statements according to their agreement or disagreement when considering appropriate hypertension management. The statements were derived from an earlier qualitative study. Factor analysis of the data was undertaken using PQMethod software to determine if any patterns were discernible.
Results: Ninety-two patients clustered to five factors, which all varied in the degree of involvement patients had, or wished to have, in their hypertension management. The 42 patients who loaded to factor 1 considered that appropriate antihypertensive treatment involved leaving medical decisions to their GPs and trusting their judgement in such matters. The patients (n = 31) who positively loaded to factor 2 suggested that an autonomous relationship with their healthcare professional(s) was an important issue when considering treatment.
Conclusion: It is concluded that this study has successfully used Q-methodology to systematically investigate people's subjectivity and developed a novel approach to elicit the views of individual patients, as well as explore and differentiate between groups of patients.
Practice implications: The formation of true partnerships between patients and healthcare professionals which will enhance individual patients' ability to self-manage chronic disease.