TIMS (This is My Story) audio files are about 1.5 min long and provide a brief snapshot of the patient as a person. Previous research has shown TIMS files improve communication between medical teams, patients and loved ones, and increase empathy on the part of clinicians for the patient. This study aims to assess what the experience of recording a TIMS file is like for the patient or their loved one, if they record on the patient's behalf. The person who recorded the file was asked to agree or disagree with 7 adjectives to describe the TIMS recording process, with a single open-ended question where they were invited to use their own descriptors. The majority of participants found the process easy, thought-provoking, unique, and unusual. Some said it was uncomfortable and about a fifth said they didn't think it was relevant to their care.
Keywords: Patient experience; acceptability; communication; recording.
What is the Experience of Recording a TIMS (This is My Story) File Like? TIMS stands for This is My Story, an audio file featuring a patient or their loved one answering 4 questions: How do you want to be addressed? What brings you joy? What does your medical team need to know about you to care for you best? What brings you peace? The TIMS file is placed in a patient's medical chart and is used by clinicians to know them better as a person, with studies showing it improves both communication with the medical team and increases their empathy for the patient. This study asked patients themselves if they recorded their file or their loved one who recorded on the patient's behalf about the experience of recording a TIMS file. The study found that the majority of participants found recording easy, unusual, unique, and thought-provoking. Some found it a bit uncomfortable and about a fifth doubted whether the TIMS file would help in their care. In summary patients and loved ones found recording a TIMS file acceptable.
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