Dimensions Of Patient-centered Care Research Articles

Identifying the drivers of overall rating of cancer care: Insights from the second wave of the Swiss Cancer Patient Experiences study.

Patient experience surveys gather information on various aspects of care via numerous survey items. Identifying the most critical areas of patient experience to prioritize for quality care improvement can be challenging. The objective of this study was to determine which care experience items are the drivers influencing patients' overall rating of cancer care. Data from 2750 adult patients with cancer from the second wave of the Swiss Cancer Patient Experiences study were analyzed. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight Swiss hospitals from September 2021 to February 2022. Stepwise logistic regression examined the relationship between overall care rating and 29 patient experience items covering different patient-centered care dimensions while adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables. Overall, patients rated their cancer care experience at 8.9 out of 10. Stepwise regression identified seven drivers contributing to overall care rating. The strongest drivers were "professionals worked well together" (odds ratio [OR],4.81) and "tests were not repeated" (OR,2.09) from the coordination and integration dimension, "offered support for symptoms during treatment" (OR,2.11) from the physical comfort dimension, followed by "hospital staff ensured available home support" (OR,1.99), "offered to see health professional for concerns" (OR,1.91), "treatment options were explained" (OR,1.75), and "involved in treatment decisions as desired" (OR,1.68). This study evaluated the care experiences of patients with cancer with a comprehensive tool that identified seven key factors independently associated with overall care rating. By concentrating on these areas, hospitals can not only improve the patient care experience but also efficiently allocate resources to quality improvement initiatives.

Inequalities in patients’ experiences with cancer care: the role of economic and health literacy determinants

BackgroundPatients with fewer socioeconomic and health literacy resources are disadvantaged in their access and use of healthcare, which may give rise to worse experiences with care and thus inequalities in patient experiences. However, only a limited number of studies have examined how socioeconomic and health literacy factors shape inequalities in patients’ experiences with cancer care.ObjectiveTo examine whether patients’ experiences with cancer care differ according to their economic status and health literacy.MethodsSecondary analysis of data on 2789 adult patients diagnosed with cancer from the Swiss Cancer Patient Experiences-2 (SCAPE-2) study, a cross-sectional survey conducted in eight hospitals across Switzerland from September 2021 to February 2022. Regression analysis was applied to examine the independent effect of patients’ economic status and health literacy on various outcomes of experiences with cancer care, covering eight different dimensions of patient-centred care, controlling for confounding factors.ResultsAdjusted regression analysis showed that patients with lower economic status reported significantly worse experiences with cancer care in 12 out of 29 specific care experiences, especially in the dimensions of ‘respect for patients’ preferences’ and ‘physical comfort’ where all items of experiences were associated with economic status. Additionally, lower health literacy was associated with worse patient experiences in 23 specific care experiences. All items in the dimensions of ‘respect for patients’ preferences’, ‘physical comfort’ and ‘emotional support’ were associated with health literacy.DiscussionThis study revealed significant inequalities in experiences with cancer care shaped by the economic status and health literacy of patients across different dimensions of patient-centred care. It is essential to address the needs of more disadvantaged patients who face obstacles in their access and use of the healthcare system, not only to mitigate inequalities in cancer care but also to avoid inequalities in health outcomes.

The state of patient-centered care and associated factors at a large referral hospital in Northwestern Uganda: Perceptions of patients

BackgroundA Patient-Centered Care (PCC) approach to health service delivery is considered one of the essential domains of healthcare quality. This has been shown to improve patient satisfaction with health services and patient outcomes, but it has not been fully embraced in many low and middle income countries. PurposeTo evaluate patients’ perceptions of PCC and identify the factors influencing perceived PCC at a large referral hospital in Northwestern Uganda. Materials and MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional correlational study. Four hundred and eighty (480) patients or their attendants participated in the study. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was applied at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using Stata V.14 to assess the state of PCC, patient perceptions and factors associated with perceived PCC. ResultsSixty five percent (64.8 %) of the participants perceived they received PCC. Most of the dimensions of PCC were rated high on a 5-point Likert scale, with respect for patient’s values and preferences ranked highest; mean score of 3.9 (SD = 0.9) and coordination of care ranked lowest, mean score of 3.5 (SD = 0.9). Being outpatient, single or never in union had a reduced perception score of PCC. Patients who had heard of PCC had a higher perception of PCC. ConclusionPatient-Centered Care was rated optimally at ARRH. All the PCC dimensions were rated highly except coordination of care and information, education and communication which could be improved by building the capacity of health workers in effective communication and coordination of health care services.

Barriers and Facilitators for Patient-Centered Care for Hospitalized COVID Patients: Lived Experiences from Ex-hospitalized Patients and Health Care Professionals

The COVID pandemic has challenged patient-centeredness, an increasingly valued approach in the pursuit of high-quality care. This research aimed to explore barriers and facilitators for patient-centered care (PCC) in the context of the COVID pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven ex-hospitalized COVID patients and ten health care professionals (HCPs) who have cared for this patient group. A phenomenological design was used with a photo-elicitation method to capture participants’ lived experiences. Findings indicate that COVID entailed multiple and interrelated barriers across all dimensions of PCC. COVID care practices like intubation and isolation also negatively impacted patients’ physical comfort, ability to communicate, and emotional well-being. Despite HCPs’ motivation to improve patients’ well-being, they were hampered by serious barriers, including a lack of time and challenges in care coordination. Due to these difficulties, the question can be raised whether PCC during a communicable disease pandemic is feasible. Nevertheless, as shown in this study, key facilitators such as digital communication tools and a holistic and personal care approach demonstrate that rendering PCC remains vital and should be aimed for and that this could be informed by the lived experiences of HCPs and patients.

Kemampuan Perawat Dalam Menerapkan Patient Centered Care Di RSUD Dr. M. Haulussy Ambon

Patient-focused services or commonly called Patient Centered Care (PCC) have become the main focus in providing health care today. The PCC concept was first introduced by Picker in 1988 through the Picker Institute Europe in England. Regional General Hospital (RSUD) Dr. M Haulussy Ambon is a hospital that has been accredited and is required to be able to implement PCC in its services. Purpose this study was to determine the ability of nurses to apply PCC at RSUD dr. M. Haulussy Ambon. The research design used is descriptive quantitative using observational. The population in this study were nurses at RSUD Dr. M Haulussy Ambon as many as 302 nurses. The number of samples is 113 respondents. data collection techniques using a questionnaire. Results: Most of the nurses' ability to apply PCC showed good results but there were still a number of PCC dimensions that had sufficient results. The PCC dimensions that get good results are respecting patient choices and assessments, physical comfort, information and education, service coordination, and involving family and friends. It can be concluded that most nurses are capable of implementing PCC.

Athletic trainers' viewpoints of patient-centered care: Preliminary findings.

The core competency of patient-centered care (PCC) states that for positive patient outcomes, the provider must respect the patient’s views and recognize their experiences. The Athletic Training Strategic Alliance Research Agenda Task Force identified a profession-wide belief that examining the extent to which athletic trainers (ATs) provide PCC in their clinical practice would benefit the profession. To first address this line of inquiry, we must study the subjectivity of how ATs view PCC. This study used Q methodology which is a research design that collects data from participants from a quantitative and qualitative perspective. A total of 115 (males = 62, females = 53, age = 37±10 y, experience = 13±10 y) ATs dispersed between 11 job settings volunteered for this study. Participants were asked to pre-sort (agree, disagree, neutral) 36 validated statements representing the 8 dimensions of PCC, then completed a Q-sort where they dragged-and-dropped the pre-sorted statements based on perceived importance in providing PCC. The Q-sorts were analyzed using QMethod software. A principal component analysis was used to identify statement rankings and factors. Factors were determined by an Eigenvalue > 1 and analyzed using a scree plot. The 6 highest selected statements per factor were assessed to create the distinguishing viewpoints. Two distinguishing viewpoints emerged from the factor analysis of the Q-sorts: 1) the interpersonal connection that valued teamwork, open communication, and respectful care with varied populations; 2) the holistic gatekeeper that valued personal promotion for activities of daily living, self-care, and quality of life. Overall, ATs value patient’s preferences and respect. However, a lack of importance was identified for incorporating the disablement model which is a core competency and adopted framework by the athletic training profession.

CONTACT-Patient-Centred Care Questionnaire to assess care for patients treated with oral anticancer drugs: Development and psychometric validation.

Instruments to measure quality of patient-centred care (PCC) for the rapidly growing population of patients treated with oral anticancer drugs (OACD) are lacking. The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess PCC in the context of OACD. The CONTACT-Patient-Centred Care Questionnaire (CONTACT-PCCQ) was developed based on a validated set of key elements (KEs) for patient-centred education and counselling in patients taking OACD, and face validity was evaluated by means of cognitive interviews. In 16 Belgian hospitals, adult patients treated with OACD were asked to complete the questionnaire. Construct validity was investigated through exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and internal consistency of the subscales was examined using Cronbach's alpha. The initial 86-item instrument was completed by 464 patients. Each EFA confirmed the a priori PCC-based structure of the subscales. However, EFA revealed more than one factor for two of the subscales. Therefore, multiple subsections within these subscales were created. Based on factor loadings and item content, six items were removed. This resulted in a final 80-item instrument with seven subscales and five subsections. Cronbach's alpha for the subscales and subsections ranged between 0.732 and 0.918, which implies adequate internal consistency. A final instrument with 80 items divided into seven subscales, covering all six dimensions of PCC, was obtained. The CONTACT-PCCQ has acceptable psychometric properties, supporting its use as a measure to assess care experiences of patients treated with OACD.

Development and testing of a survey measure of organizational perinatal patient-centered care culture.

To develop and test a measure of patient-centered care (PCC) culture in hospital-based perinatal care. Data were obtained from US perinatal hospitals: one provided survey development data and 14 contributed data for survey testing. We used qualitative and quantitative methods to develop the mother-infant centered care (MICC) culture survey. Qualitative methods included observation, focus group, interviews, and expert consultations to adapt items from other settings and create new items capturing dimensions of PCC articulated by The Commonwealth Fund. We quantitatively assessed survey psychometric properties using reliability (Cronbach's α and Pearson correlation coefficients) and validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]) statistics, and refined the survey. After confirming aggregation suitability (ICCs), we calculated "MICC culture scores" at the individual, unit, and hospital level and assessed associations between scores and survey-collected, staff-reported outcomes to evaluate concurrent validity. Survey development included 12 site-visit observations, one semi-structured focus group (five participants), two semi-structured interviews, five cognitive interviews, and three expert consultations. Survey testing used online surveys administered to obstetric and neonatal unit staff (N=316). Using responses from 10 hospitals with ≥4 responses from both units (n=240), the 20-item MICC culture survey demonstrated reliability (Cronbach's α=0.95) while capturing all PCC dimensions (subscale Cronbach's α=0.72-0.87). CFA showed validity through goodness-of-fit (overall chi-square=214 [p-value=0.012], SRMR=0.056, RMSEA=0.041, CFI=0.97, and TLI=0.96). Aggregation statistics (ICCs < 0.05) justify unit- and hospital-level aggregation. Demonstrating preliminary validity, individual-, unit-, and hospital-level MICC culture scores were associated with all outcomes (satisfaction with care provided, within-unit team effectiveness, and relational coordination [RC] between units) (p-values < 0.05), except for neonatal unit scores and RC (p-value=0.11). The MICC culture survey is a psychometrically sound measure of PCC culture for hospital-based perinatal care. Survey scores are associated with staff-reported outcomes. Future studies with patient outcomes will aid identification of improvement opportunities in perinatal care.

Patient-centered primary care and receipt of evidence-based alcohol-related care in the national Veterans Health Administration

BackgroundHealth care systems are increasingly integrating screening and care for unhealthy alcohol use into primary care settings. However, gaps remain in receipt of evidence-based care after the detection of unhealthy alcohol use. Patient-centered primary care may be an important determinant of alcohol-related care receipt, but its role is underexamined. MethodsWe examined associations between previously developed, clinic-level measures of patient-centered care (indicative of medical home model implementation) and receipt of alcohol-related care in a national cohort of VA patients who screened positive for unhealthy alcohol use (defined by AUDIT-C alcohol screen of ≥5; n = 568,909) for whom brief intervention is recommended. We also assessed alcohol-related care in a subsample of these patients with a past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnosis (n = 144,511) for whom specialty addictions care and medications are recommended. The study used modified Poisson models to assess associations between measures of patient-centered care and individual-level receipt of recommended alcohol-related care. We presented prevalence ratios (PR) and marginal probabilities to illustrate relative and absolute differences, respectively, in outcomes associated with clinic-level measures. ResultsCompared to patients in the lowest-ranked clinics, patients were more likely to receive brief intervention in clinics with the highest rankings of self-management support (PR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.11), communication (PR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12), access (PR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.17), and care coordination (PR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.15). The study also observed a greater likelihood of receiving AUD medications among those receiving care at clinics with higher ratings of comprehensiveness (PR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66) and shared decision-making (PR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.61); higher clinic-level access ratings were associated with specialty addictions care (PR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.32). Patients in the clinics with the highest summary patient-centered care ratings, compared to the lowest, had higher likelihoods of receiving brief intervention (PR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.12) and medications (PR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.35). The study did not identify any other statistically significant findings. ConclusionsThis observational study found that dimensions of patient-centered care were associated with increased receipt of recommended alcohol-related care. Future studies should investigate strategies to improve patients' experience of alcohol-related care.

Easier Said Than Done: Healthcare Professionals' Barriers to the Provision of Patient-Centered Primary Care to Patients with Multimorbidity.

Patient-centered care (PCC) has the potential to entail tailored primary care delivery according to the needs of patients with multimorbidity (two or more co-existing chronic conditions). To make primary care for these patients more patient centered, insight on healthcare professionals’ perceived PCC implementation barriers is needed. In this study, healthcare professionals’ perceived barriers to primary PCC delivery to patients with multimorbidity were investigated using a constructivist qualitative design based on semi-structured interviews with nine general and nurse practitioners from seven general practices in the Netherlands. Purposive sampling was used, and the interview content was analyzed to generate themes representing experienced barriers. Barriers were identified in all eight PCC dimensions (patient preferences, information and education, access to care, physical comfort, emotional support, family and friends, continuity and transition, and coordination of care). They include difficulties achieving mutual understanding between patients and healthcare professionals, professionals’ lack of training and education in new skills, data protection laws that impede adequate documentation and information sharing, time pressure, and conflicting financial incentives. These barriers pose true challenges to effective, sustainable PCC implementation at the patient, organizational, and national levels. Further improvement of primary care delivery to patients with multimorbidity is needed to overcome these barriers.

Making care more patient centered; experiences of healthcare professionals and patients with multimorbidity in the primary care setting

BackgroundThe present study describes how primary care can be improved for patients with multimorbidity, based on the evaluation of a patient-centered care (PCC) improvement program designed to foster the eight PCC dimensions (patient preferences, information and education, access to care, physical comfort, coordination of care, continuity and transition, emotional support, and family and friends). This study characterizes the interventions implemented in practice as part of the PCC improvement program and describes the experiences of healthcare professionals and patients with the resulting PCC delivery.MethodsThis study employed a mixed-methods design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine general practitioners and nurse practitioners from seven primary care practices in Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands, that participated in the program (which included interventions and workshops). The qualitative interview data were examined using thematic analysis. A longitudinal survey was conducted with 138 patients with multimorbidity from these practices to assess perceived improvements in PCC and its underlying dimensions. Paired sample t tests were performed to compare survey responses obtained at a 1-year interval corresponding to program implementation.ResultsThe PCC improvement program is described, and themes necessary for PCC improvement according to healthcare professionals were generated [e.g. Aligning information to patients’ needs and backgrounds, adapting a coaching role]. PCC experiences of patients with multimorbidity improved significantly during the year in which the PCC interventions were implemented (t = 2.66, p = 0.005).ConclusionThis study revealed how primary PCC can be improved for patients with multimorbidity. It emphasizes the importance of investing in PCC improvement programs to tailor care delivery to heterogenous patients with multimorbidity with diverse care needs. This study generates new perspectives on care delivery and highlights opportunities for its improvement according to the eight dimensions of PCC for patients with multimorbidity in a primary care setting.

A Systematic Review of Surveys for Measuring Patient-centered Care in the Hospital Setting.

Patient-centered care (PCC) is a core component of quality care and its measurement is fundamental for research and improvement efforts. However, an inventory of surveys for measuring PCC in hospitals, a core care setting, is not available. To identify surveys for assessing PCC in hospitals, assess PCC dimensions that they capture, report their psychometric properties, and evaluate applicability to individual and/or dyadic (eg, mother-infant pairs in pregnancy) patients. We conducted a systematic review of articles published before January 2019 available on PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host and references of extracted papers to identify surveys used to measure "patient-centered care" or "family-centered care." Surveys used in hospitals and capturing at least 3 dimensions of PCC, as articulated by the Picker Institute, were included and reviewed in full. Surveys' descriptions, subscales, PCC dimensions, psychometric properties, and applicability to individual and dyadic patients were assessed. Thirteen of 614 articles met inclusion criteria. Nine surveys were identified, which were designed to obtain assessments from patients/families (n=5), hospital staff (n=2), and both patients/families and hospital staff (n=2). No survey captured all 8 Picker dimensions of PCC [median=6 (range, 5-7)]. Psychometric properties were reported infrequently. All surveys applied to individual patients, none to dyadic patients. Multiple surveys for measuring PCC in hospitals are available. Opportunities exist to improve survey comprehensiveness regarding dimensions of PCC, reporting of psychometric properties, and development of measures to capture PCC for dyadic patients.

Operationalizing patient-centered cancer care: A systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature on cancer patients' needs, values, and preferences.

Efficiently addressing patient priorities and concerns remains a challenge in oncology. Systematic operationalization of patient-centered care (PCC) can support improved assessment and practice of PCC in this unique care setting. This review aimed to synthesize the qualitative empirical literature exploring the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)'s PCC constructs of values, needs, and preferences among patients' during their cancer treatment experiences. A systematic review of qualitative studies published between 2002 and 2018 addressing adult patient values, needs, and preferences during cancer treatment was conducted. Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS databases were searched on September 10, 2018. Methodological rigor was assessed using a modified version of the Evaluation Tool for Qualitative Studies. Included study findings were analyzed using line-by-line coding; and the emergent themes were compared to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)'s PCC dimensions. Twenty-nine primary studies were included in the synthesis. Descriptive themes for values (autonomy, being involved, family, hope, normality, and sincerity), needs (care coordination, information, privacy, support of physical well-being, emotional support (family/friends, peer, provider), and self-support), and preferences (care coordination, decision-making, information delivery, source of social support, and treatment) were identified. "Cancer care context" emerged as an important domain in which these constructs are operationalized. This thematic framework outlines PCC attributes that oncology care stakeholders can evaluate to improve patient experiences. These findings build on previous PCC research and may contribute to the systematic assessment of patient priorities and the improvement of oncology care quality from the patient perspective.

Patient-centered care in Israeli IVF units: divergent perceptions of patients and providers

BackgroundPatient-centered care is particularly important for patients undergoing fertility treatment because of their emotional involvement and their constant contact with providers. To the best of our knowledge, to date, there have been no rigorous studies of the discrepancies between the patients’ perceptions of the care they received and the providers’ perceptions of the care that they provided, in specific dimensions and elements of patient-centered care.ObjectiveTo compare provider and patient perceptions of the extent to which care in Israeli IVF units is patient-centered.MethodsA previously validated survey instrument was used to assess the patient and provider perceptions of ten dimensions of patient-centered care: accessibility of providers, provision of information and of explanations, communication skills of providers, patient involvement in the treatment, respect for patient values and needs, continuity and transition in treatment, professional competence, care organization, physical comfort, and emotional support. The patient survey and the provider survey were conducted in 2016–2017; both surveys were carried out in 8 of 25 hospital-based IVF units in Israel. Seventy-six providers and 524 patients (response rate 79%) participated in the surveys.FindingsThe perceptions of patients and providers were similar regarding seven of the ten dimensions of patient-centered care, although there were some differences in patient vs. provider scores by unit. There were three dimensions with substantial provider-patient score differences: Moderate-sized gaps were found relative to the provision of information and explanations (1.96 vs. 2.38, on a 0–3 scale) and respect for patient values and needs (1.92 vs. 2.47). A large gap was observed relative to emotional support (0.96 vs. 2.54).ConclusionsProviders appear to underestimate the needs of fertility treatment patients for information, respect, and emotional support. The observed differences between what patients feel about their care and what providers assume they provide, especially regarding emotional support, indicates a need for ongoing, specific feedback to providers as to the patient-centeredness of the care they provide. The particularly large patient – provider gap relative to the provision of emotional support highlights the importance of increasing the attention paid to the psychological impact of fertility treatment and of giving patients an opportunity to consult a counselor who is familiar with problems associated with fertility treatments.Policy recommendationsEfforts to improve the patient-centeredness in FT should begin by establishing a national ongoing feedback mechanism, involving all 25 IVF units operating in Israel working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The findings from this joint effort should be shared with the public. In addition, we recommended appointing one professional in each IVF unit to be in charge of promoting improvements in the patient-centered care for that unit. Assigning a mental health professional (psychologist or social worker) to each and every IVF unit is also of crucial importance.

Patient perspectives on interpersonal aspects of healthcare and patient-centeredness at primary health facilities: A mixed methods study in rural Eastern Uganda.

Patient-centered care (PCC) is an approach to involve patients in health care delivery, to contribute to quality of care, and to strengthen health systems responsiveness. This article aims to highlight patient perspectives by showcasing their perceptions of their experience of PCC at primary health facilities in two districts in Uganda. A mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted in three public and two private primary health care facilities in rural eastern Uganda. In total, 300 patient exit survey questionnaires, 31 semi-structured Interviews (SSIs), 5 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 5 feedback meetings were conducted. Data analysis was guided by a conceptual framework focusing on (1) understanding patients' health needs, preferences and expectations, (2) describing patients perceptions of their care experience according to five distinct PCC dimensions, and (3) reporting patient reported outcomes and their recommendations on how to improve quality of care. Patient expectations were shaped by their access to the facility, costs incurred and perceived quality of care. Patients using public facilities reported doing so because of their proximity (78.3% in public PHCs versus 23.3% in private PHCs) and because of the free services availed. On the other hand, patients attending private facilities did so because of their perception of better quality of care (84.2% in private PHCs versus 21.7% in public PHCs). Patients expectations of quality care were expressed as the availability of medication, shorter waiting times, flexible facility opening hours and courteous health workers. Analysis of the 300 responses from patients interviewed on their perception of the care they received, pointed to higher normalized scores for two out of the five PCC dimensions considered: namely, exploration of the patient's health and illness experience, and the quality of the relationship between patient and health worker (range 62.1-78.4 out of 100). The qualitative analysis indicated that patients felt that communication with health workers was enhanced where there was trust and in case of positive past experiences. Patients however felt uncomfortable discussing psychological or family matters with health workers and found it difficult to make decisions when they did not fully understand the care provided. In terms of outcomes, our findings suggest that patient enablement was more sensitive than patient satisfaction in measuring the effect of interpersonal patient experience on patient reported outcomes. Our findings show that Ugandan patients have some understanding of PCC related concepts and express a demand for it. The results offer a starting point for small scale PCC interventions. However, we need to be cognizant of the challenges PCC implementation faces in resource constrained settings. Patients' expectations in terms of quality health care are still largely driven by biomedical and technical aspects. In addition, patients are largely unaware of their right to participate in the evaluation of health care. To mitigate these challenges, targeted health education focusing on patients' responsibilities and patient's rights are essential. Last but not least, all stakeholders must be involved in developing and validating methods to measure PCC.

Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Patient-Centered Cancer Care Measure to Support Improved Assessment of Patients’ Experiences

ObjectiveTo increase the understanding of patient-centered care (PCC) and address the need for cross-cutting quality cancer care measures that are relevant to both patients and providers. MethodsAn exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on a short version of the Patients and the Cancer Care Experience Survey, a patient-reported measure of perceived importance of social, emotional, physical, and informational aspects of care, administered to adult patients (n = 104) at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Relationships between PCC dimensions and patient characteristics were also assessed. Principal axis factoring was applied and bivariate analyses were performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. ResultsMost of our sample was over 60 years old (63.4%), female (57.4%), and white (74.2%), with either breast (41.2%) or prostate cancer (27.5%). A 5-factor model was identified: (1) quality of life (α = .91), (2) provider social support (α = .83), (3) psychosocial needs (α = .91), (4) nonprovider social support (α = .79), and (5) health information and decision-making support (α = .88). No statistically significant associations were found between these factors and patients’ characteristics. ConclusionsA preliminary factor structure for a cancer PCC measure was identified. Our findings reinforce the interrelated nature of PCC dimensions. The lessons learned from this study may be used to develop a single PCC measure that identifies patient priorities across the cancer care continuum. Data collected from such a measure can be used to support patient engagement in treatment planning and decision-making.

Views of professionals and volunteers in palliative care on patient-centred care: a Q-methodology study in the Netherlands

BackgroundPatients with palliative care needs, require support with their physical needs, but also with their emotional, spiritual and social needs. Patient-Centred Care (PCC) may help organizations to support these patients according to their needs and so improve the quality of care. PCC has been shown to consist of eight dimensions, including for instance access to care and continuity of care, but these eight dimensions may not be equally important in all care settings and to all patients. Furthermore, the views of those involved in care provision may affect the choices they make concerning care and support to patients. Therefore, insight into how professionals and volunteers involved in palliative care delivery view PCC is important for understanding and improving the quality of care in the palliative sector.MethodsThis study was conducted in the palliative care setting (hospices and hospitals) in the Netherlands. Views on palliative care were investigated using the Q-methodology. Participants were asked to rank 35 statements that represented the eight dimensions of PCC in palliative care settings, and to explain their ranking during a follow-up interview. Ranking data were analysed using by-person factor analysis. Interview materials were used to help interpret the resulting factors.ResultsThe analysis revealed two distinct viewpoints on PCC in palliative care: ‘The patient in the driver seat’, particularly emphasizing the importance of patient autonomy during the last phase of life, and ‘The patient in the passenger seat’, focussed on the value of coordination between professionals, volunteers and patients.ConclusionsThe most distinguishing aspect between views on PCC in palliative care concerned control; a preference for the patient in the driver’s seat versus shared decision-making by a team consisting of patient, professionals and volunteers. Different types of care and support may be most adequate to satisfy the different needs and preferences of patients with either of these views.

What Do Patients Complain About Online: A Systematic Review and Taxonomy Framework Based on Patient Centeredness.

BackgroundComplaints made online by patients about their health care experiences are becoming prevalent because of widespread worldwide internet connectivity. An a priori framework, based on patient centeredness, may be useful in identifying the types of issues patients complain about online across multiple settings. It may also assist in examining whether the determinants of patient-centered care (PCC) mirror the determinants of patient experiences.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to develop a taxonomy framework for patient complaints online based on patient centeredness and to examine whether the determinants of PCC mirror the determinants of patient experiences.MethodsFirst, the best fit framework synthesis technique was applied to develop the proposed a priori framework. Second, electronic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, were searched for articles published between 2000 and June 2018. Studies were only included if they collected primary quantitative data on patients’ online complaints. Third, a deductive and inductive thematic analysis approach was adopted to code the themes of recognized complaints into the framework.ResultsIn total, 17 studies from 5 countries were included in this study. Patient complaint online taxonomies and theme terms varied. According to our framework, patients expressed most dissatisfaction with patient-centered processes (101,586/204,363, 49.71%), followed by prerequisites (appropriate skills and knowledge of physicians; 50,563, 24.74%) and the care environment (48,563/204,363, 23.76%). The least dissatisfied theme was expected outcomes (3651/204,363, 1.79%). People expressed little dissatisfaction with expanded PCC dimensions, such as involvement of family and friends (591/204,363, 0.29%). Variation in the concerns across different countries’ patients were also observed.ConclusionsOnline complaints made by patients are of major value to health care providers, regulatory bodies, and patients themselves. Our PCC framework can be applied to analyze them under a wide range of conditions, treatments, and countries. This review has shown significant heterogeneity of patients’ online complaints across different countries.

Validation of an instrument to assess informal caregivers\u2019 perceptions about the delivery of patient-centred care to people with intellectual disabilities in residential settings

BackgroundValidated instruments are needed to assess the delivery of patient-centred care (PCC) to people with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs) needing 24-h care in residential settings. Eight dimensions of PCC have been identified: taking patients’ preferences into account; access to care; emotional support; physical comfort; information and education; involvement of family and friends; coordination of care; and continuity and secure transition. Objective of this study is to validate an instrument to assess these eight PCC dimensions among informal caregivers of PWIDs in residential settings (institutional settings as well as group homes in the community). The original 24-item instrument was developed and validated among professionals providing care to PWIDs.MethodsThis study was conducted in a disability care centre in the Netherlands. All informal caregivers of PWIDs living in institutional settings or group homes in the community in need of 24-h care were invited to participate (n = 941). The response rate was 31% (n = 289). We tested the instrument using structural equation modelling, and examined its validity and reliability.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses revealed good indices of fit and overall internal consistency, as represented by Cronbach’s alpha values. All eight dimensions of PCC were related positively to satisfaction with care (all p ≤ 0.001). As expected, informal caregivers were less critical of PCC and its underlying dimensions, except for information and education, than were professionals working in the same disability care centre.ConclusionsThe psychometric properties of the 24-item PCC instrument for informal caregivers (PCC-IC) were satisfactory, indicating that the PCC-IC is valid and reliable for the assessment of the eight dimensions of PCC among informal caregivers of PWIDs in residential settings.

Development and psychometric testing of an inventory to measure patient-centred care in dietetic practice-dietitian version.

The lack of a valid instrument to measure patient-centred care (PCC) in dietetic practice makes it challenging to evaluate how patient-centred dietitians are. The present study aimed to develop and psychometrically test a dietitian-reported inventory to measure PCC in dietetic practice. The inventory was compiled based on a literature review of existing validated scales that measured the dimensions of PCC. Next, the inventory was distributed as a cross-sectional survey to 180 Australian Accredited Practicing Dietitians who worked in primary care. Exploratory factor analysis was performed using principal factor analysis with Promax rotation. Cronbach's alpha (criteria≥0.80), inter-item correlations and corrected item-total correlations (criteria 0.30-0.70) were computed to evaluate the internal consistency of each scale. Five factors were extracted accounting for 56.9% of the variance. Most variables had strong loadings on only one factor. Factors were labelled as: shared decision-making; holistic and individualised care; patient-dietitian communication; knowing the patient; and caring patient-dietitian relationships. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 for the total inventory and ranged from 0.73 to 0.91 for the individual factors. Inter-item correlations and corrected item-total correlations mostly fell in the desired range. The present study offers a preliminary, conceptually grounded dietitian-reported inventory, which is the first instrument developed and tested to measure PCC in dietetic practice. These findings illustrate the underlying factor structure of the inventory and support the reliability of the scales. With further testing, this inventory may provide useful to clinicians and researchers working to better understand and improve dietetic practice.