Explore Patient Experiences Research Articles

Patient Experiences with AI in Healthcare Settings

This study aims to explore patient experiences with AI in healthcare settings, identifying their perceptions, concerns, and the perceived impact of AI on their care. The objective is to provide insights into patient attitudes towards AI, which can inform the development, implementation, and policy-making of AI technologies in healthcare. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 26 participants who have interacted with AI-driven healthcare services. Participants were selected to represent a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Thematic analysis was employed to identify major themes and categories from the interview data, focusing on patient perceptions, experiences, and expectations of AI in healthcare. Five major themes emerged from the data: Understanding and Perceptions; Quality and Accessibility; Integration and Adaptation; Operational Challenges; and Patient Empowerment and Engagement. These themes encompassed various categories, including AI literacy, privacy concerns, care personalization, technical issues, and patient rights, among others. The findings highlight a general optimism about the potential of AI to improve healthcare outcomes, coupled with significant concerns about data privacy, ethical use, and the need for greater patient education and involvement in AI development. Patients perceive AI as a potentially transformative force in healthcare but underscore the importance of addressing ethical considerations, ensuring transparency, and enhancing patient engagement in the deployment of AI technologies. The study advocates for a patient-centered approach in the development and implementation of AI in healthcare to maximize its benefits while mitigating challenges.

Mentalizing the patient-Patient experiences with short-term mentalization-based therapy for borderline personality disorder: A qualitative study.

Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) is an evidence-supported psychotherapy approach for borderline personality disorder (BPD) that has been implemented in mental health services worldwide. Originally, MBT was developed as an 18-months program for BPD. However, a short-term (5 months) MBT program has been developed. Research into patient experiences with long-term MBT for BPD is scarce, and no studies have investigated patient experience with short-term MBT for BPD. The objective of this study was to explore patient experience with short-term MBT for BPD in the Danish mental health services. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 outpatients diagnosed with BPD, who attended short-term MBT for 5 months. The interviews were verbatim transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis with double coding. The analysis resulted in four subordinate themes: (1) Treatment duration - too short or appropriately short?, (2) The group as a "safe space," (3) Bad experiences impacted treatment negatively, and (4) My life has changed for the better. The results suggest that most of the patients were overall satisfied with short-term MBT, which they experienced as having a positive impact on their lives. However, a subgroup of patients wanted more therapy. This study highlighted the strengths and limitations of short-term MBT for BPD as experienced by the patients, and points to barriers in developing service-user informed short-term treatment options for BPD.

A qualitative study of patients' experiences before, during and after surgical treatment for periprosthetic knee joint infection; “I assumed it had to be like that … ”

BackgroundPeriprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee is associated with extended hospital stay, high doses of antibiotics, lengthy rehabilitation, and pain. Standard treatment is a two-stage procedure comprising two surgeries and two hospitalizations. To facilitate exploration of patients’ perspectives, the qualitative study presented here was an adjunct to a Danish randomized controlled trial comparing one-stage and two-stage revision surgery. AimTo explore patient experiences, before, during and after hospitalization and surgical treatment with one- or two-stage revision for PJI of the knee. Material and methodsQualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 10 individuals who had undergone either one- or two-stage revision because of PJI. Thematic analysis was employed. ResultsThe essence of the findings was that the infection was a transition point in a possible life-changing illness. The three themes representing this comprised: 1) physical, 2) psychological, and 3) social implications. Each theme is further illuminated with subthemes. ConclusionsInfection is a transition point in a possible life changing illness. Late diagnosis and delayed treatment are major issues. Individuals suffer from pain, weight loss, fatigue, and reduced mobility as well as dependency on family members, leading to psychological challenges including depression. Implications for clinical practicePatients with PJI of the knee could be better informed, educated and involved before and during treatment. Information is needed not only about the physical consequences, but also the psychological and social consequences. More patient involvement and inter-professional and care sector coordination is important when caring for patients with PJI.

Exploring patient experience of mandatory mask wearing during MRI scans

Exploring patient experience of mandatory mask wearing during MRI scans

Patient perceptions and experiences of medication review: qualitative study in general practice

BackgroundClinical medication reviews are a recognised strategy to address polypharmacy, a key part of general practice and positively associated with patient safety and clinical effectiveness. To date there has been little investigation of the patient perspective of medication reviews.ObjectiveTo explore patient experiences of medication review including the processes and activities that led up to and shaped the review.MethodsQualitative interview study within 10 general practices in Bristol. Participants were adults with polypharmacy (≥ 4 medications) and ≥ 2 long-term conditions who had a record of medication review with either a GP or pharmacist. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using a data driven approach. Co-design work was undertaken with four patient and public involvement advisers to design and develop resources to support patient preparation for medication review.ResultsTwenty-one patients were interviewed (10 female, mean age 73 years, range 59–88 years). Medication review was viewed as an opportunity to assess the effectiveness and need for medications. Participants expected the review to focus upon medication related concerns, side-effects and symptoms. Those who were newer to review, were uncertain of the intended purpose, and described their review as a box-ticking exercise. Some participants were unfamiliar with the role of the pharmacist and expressed a lack of confidence in their clinical skills and knowledge. Face-to-face consultation and relationship continuity were considered important for efficient and effective medication review. Results informed co-production of a patient information leaflet to facilitate greater patient engagement and involvement in medication review.ConclusionsA lack of understanding of the rationale for medication review can limit the value patients attach to these healthcare encounters. Improved prior communication and information around the intended purpose and potential benefits of medication review may enhance patient engagement and improve patient experience and outcomes.

Patient views on asthma diagnosis and how a clinical decision support system could help: A qualitative study.

Making a diagnosis of asthma can be challenging for clinicians and patients. A clinical decision support system (CDSS) for use in primary care including a patient-facing mode, could change how information is shared between patients and healthcare professionalsand improve the diagnostic process. Participants diagnosed with asthma within the last 5 years were recruited from general practices across four UK regions. In-depth interviews were used to explore patient experiences relating to their asthma diagnosis and to understand how a CDSS could be used to improve the diagnostic process for patients. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. Seventeenparticipants (12 female) undertook interviews, including 14 individuals and 3 parents of children with asthma. Being diagnosed with asthma was generally considered an uncertain process. Participants felt a lack of consultation time and poor communication affected their understanding of asthma and what to expect. Had the nature of asthma and the steps required to make a diagnosis been explained more clearly, patients felt their understanding and engagement in asthma self-management could have been improved. Participants considered that a CDSS could provide resources to support the diagnostic process, prompt dialogue, aid understanding and support shared decision-making. Undergoing an asthma diagnosis was uncertain for patients if their ideas and concerns were not addressed by clinicians and were influenced by a lack of consultation time and limitations in communication. An asthma diagnosis CDSS could provide structure and an interface to prompt dialogue, provide visuals about asthma to aid understandingand encourage patient involvement. Prespecified semistructured interview topic guides (young person and adult versions) were developed by the research team and piloted with members of the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group. Findings were regularly discussed within the research group and with PPI colleagues to aid the interpretation of data.

Transgender gender-affirming surgery consultation among patients seeking care in the Midwestern United States.

Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is among the most rapidly growing and expanding subfields in plastic surgery due to increased awareness, decreased stigma, rising demand, and improved access for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals (TGNC). In order to address potential barriers and facilitators in GAS education and training, there is a need to explore the experiences of TGNC individuals. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the factors that influence TGNC patient experiences in surgical consultation for GAS. Targeted recruitment was used to recruit and enroll participants who identified as TGNC and who had undergone consultation with a surgeon to discuss GAS. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore patient experiences with GAS. Recorded audio from these interviews was later transcribed verbatim. Open coding of these transcripts was then performed independently by 3 individual members of the research team using the consensual qualitative coding methods. Fifteen interviews were conducted (transmale, n = 7; transfemale, n = 4; gender non-conforming/non-binary, n = 4). Participants frequently expressed worry and frustration over insurance coverage and exorbitant out-of-pocket expense, whether actual or perceived. Logistical barriers were the most frequently cited category of barriers. The majority of participants made at least 1 reference to relying on others during the process of insurance pre-authorization. The majority of participants described their interactions with surgeons as positive, indicating that they felt comfortable during consultation and that their surgeons ensured their understanding. Our findings provide important insight into this often stressful and challenging process. Ensuring a welcoming, safe, and gender-affirming environment and experience for these individuals is essential. These findings may help to guide future education for medical students, trainees, clinic staff, and surgeons, as well as to direct changes necessary to improve the patient experience in clinics and hospitals for TGNC individuals undergoing consultation for GAS.

Use of ankle-brachial pressure index to assess patient suitability for lower limb compression.

Compression therapy is a safe, effective treatment for lower leg conditions such as lymphatic insufficiency and venous hypertension. The most common method of arterial assessment is the calculation of a patient's ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI). The need for ABPI is highlighted in many best practice statement and local policies. ABPI compares the arterial flow of the arms and the legs, providing a ratio used to determine the presence and severity of peripheral artery disease and assess whether a patient is suitable for compression therapy. This study critically reviews and analyses findings from contemporary literature with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of the ABPI screening tool. A structured literature review using a narrative approach was carried out. Four studies were identified for inclusion, which involved medical, nursing and allied health professional staff in primary and secondary care, with a total of 51 patients. Analysis generated eight themes: appropriateness of the ABPI tool; clinician education; referral process; access to appropriate equipment; lack of time to conduct the assessment; competence; associated costs; and role definition. It is important to undertake a holistic assessment of the patient, incorporating ABPI assessment where not contraindicated. Further research to explore patient experience and safety when assessing a patient's suitability for lower limb compression therapy is required.

Patient experiences of codesigned rehabilitation interventions in hospitals: a rapid review

BackgroundCodesign strengthens partnerships between healthcare workers and patients. It also facilitates collaborations supporting the development, design and delivery of healthcare services. Prior rehabilitation reviews have focused mainly on the clinical...

Patient experiences of hospital care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted healthcare service delivery. This study explored patient experiences of hospital care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, using National Inpatient Experience Survey (NIES) 2021 data. Methods NIES is a repeat cross-sectional survey of inpatient experiences in all public acute hospitals in Ireland. Patients who spent 24+ hours in hospital and were discharged in September 2021 were eligible to participate. 7 questions addressed experiences specific to the pandemic. Comparisons between 2019 and 2021 were conducted using t-tests. Effect sizes (d) are reported. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results 10,743 patients participated (42% response rate). While 68% did not feel at risk of catching COVID-19, 9% felt at risk. 35% reported that staff always helped them to keep in touch with family. There were small, statistically significant differences between 2019 and 2021 ratings, with questions on opportunity for family to talk to a doctor (d=-.328), provision of information to family (d=-.136), and being able to find staff to talk to about worries and fears (d=-.167) recording the biggest decreases. Scores for cleanliness of wards (d = 0.063) and bathrooms (d=.075), and privacy during examination or treatment in the ED (d = 0.085) improved significantly. Patients commented on their appreciation of staff, but missed having visitors, with restrictions posing challenges for those with sensory or physical impairments. Conclusions Given the unique challenges experienced by acute healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparisons with pre-pandemic patient experiences should be interpreted with caution. Continuing to gather patient feedback during a pandemic presents a unique opportunity to understand the resilience of healthcare systems as they continue to operate under unprecedented pressure, with the potential to inform responses and delivery of care during future pandemics or other emergencies. Key messages • Visiting restrictions posed many challenges for patients and affected communication both between patients and their family members, as well as between healthcare staff and patients’ family. • Gathering patient feedback during a pandemic presents a unique opportunity to inform responses and delivery of care during future pandemics or other emergencies.

Patient experience and satisfaction with symptomatic faecal immunochemical testing: an explanatory sequential mixed-methods evaluation.

Recent evidence suggests that faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) can rule out colorectal cancer (CRC) in symptomatic adults. To date, there has been little research exploring experiences of FIT for this population. To explore patient experience and satisfaction with FIT in an 'early adopter' site in England. Explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach combining mailed quantitative surveys with semi-structured telephone interviews. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative transcripts. The survey had 260 responders, and it found that satisfaction with FIT was high (88.7%). Compared with test satisfaction, the proportion of responders satisfied with their GP consultation and how they received their results was lower (74.4% and 76.2%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that increased area-level deprivation and not receiving an explanation of the purpose of the test were associated with lower satisfaction with the GP consultation (both P-values <0.05), while increased area-level deprivation and not receiving results from the GP were associated with lower satisfaction with receiving results (both P-values <0.05). Interviews with responders (n = 20) helped explain the quantitative results. They revealed that 'not knowing the purpose of the test' caused 'anxiety' and 'confusion', which led to dissatisfaction. 'Not receiving results from GP' was considered 'unacceptable', as this left patients with a 'niggling doubt' and lack of diagnosis or assurance that they did not have cancer. Patient satisfaction with symptomatic FIT is high. Efforts to improve satisfaction should focus on ensuring that patients understand the purpose of the test and always receive their test results.

Exploring patient experiences with a telehealth approach for the PRO-ACTIVE trial intervention in head and neck cancer patients

IntroductionFollowing the COVID-19 directive to cease non-essential services, a rapid shift was made in the delivery of Speech Language Pathology (SLP) dysphagia management in the 3-arm, randomized PRO-ACTIVE trial. To inform future programs, this study explored patients’ experiences with telehealth when the planned in-person SLP intervention was moved to a telehealth modality.MethodsA theory-guided qualitative descriptive approach was used. Willing participants who had received at least one telehealth swallowing therapy session participated in a one-time semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were subjected to a standard qualitative content/theme analysis. Researchers reviewed all transcripts and used a multi-step analysis process to build a coding framework through consensus discussion. Summaries and key messages were generated for each code.ResultsEleven participants recounted their telehealth experiences and reported feeling satisfied, comfortable and confident with the session(s). They identified that previous experience with teleconferencing, access to optimal technical equipment, clinician skill, and caregiver assistance facilitated their telehealth participation. Participants highlighted that telehealth was beneficial as it reduced commuting time, COVID-19 exposure and fatigue from travel; and also allowed caregiver participation particularly during COVID. In comparing their in-person SLP sessions to telehealth sessions, limitations were also identified, including: lack of previous experience with and/or poor access to technology, and less opportunity for personalization. Participants indicated that use of phone alone was less preferred than an audio/video platform.DiscussionPatients reported that overall, telehealth sessions did not compromise their learning experience when compared to in-person sessions. Patients benefited from use of telehealth in several ways despite some limitations of the use of technology. Patient feedback about telehealth provides an important perspective that may be critical to inform best practices for care delivery.

“Don’t rush into thinking of walking again”: Patient views of treatment and disability following an open tibia fracture in Malawi

Background: Open tibia fractures are a common injury following road traffic accidents in Malawi and can lead to long term disability. Very little is known about patients’ experiences of the healthcare system and the disability in low-income countries following this injury. The aim of the study was to explore patient experiences of treatment and disability following an open tibia fracture in Malawi. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with ten patients with open tibia fractures at a central hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. A mixed deductive-inductive thematic analysis was used to identify broad themes of treatment and disability. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: Patient characteristics included an average age of 39.1 years old (22-63) and 80% were male. Broad themes found were delays in receiving treatment, change in individuals’ societal role and delayed recovery associated with pain and immobility. Conclusions: Open tibia fractures in Malawi have a devastating impact on patients and their families. Further studies are required to explore the reasons for the delays in open fracture emergency treatment.

Patient Perceptions About Opioid Risk Communications Within the Context of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Opioid overdose rates continue to increase, and extant literature suggests that many individuals who use heroin were first introduced to opioids through a medical prescription. To explore patient experiences related to decisions regarding analgesia after an emergency department visit within the context of a randomized clinical trial aimed to test the efficacy of risk communication interventions on treatment preference, risk recall, and use of opioids. This qualitative study of 36 patients making decisions regarding analgesia included qualitative interviews with participants in 2 risk intervention groups. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and edited to remove identifying information to protect the confidentiality of participants. Interviews were conducted from June 4, 2019, to August 6, 2019. We conducted thematic analysis from August to December 2019 using a mixed inductive and deductive approach. Participants received $20 in compensation. The study was conducted in 4 geographically diverse emergency departments in the United States. Participants were adults presenting to the emergency department with either musculoskeletal back or neck pain or kidney stone-related pain. Eligibility criteria included being aged 18 to 70 years, capable of providing informed consent, English speaking or having English comprehension, eligible for emergency department discharge within 24 hours of enrollment, and able to access email or a smartphone. Participants enrolled from the main randomized clinical trial received 1 of 2 risk interventions: a probabilistic opioid risk tool or a narrative-enhanced probabilistic risk tool (ie, participants viewed eight 1- to 3-minute short videos of patients discussing their experiences with pain treatment and positive and negative experiences with opioid use). Factors reported by participants to have influenced their decision-making regarding acute pain and treatment. Thirty-six participants were interviewed, 18 in the group who received the probabilistic risk tool alone and 18 in the group who received the additional narrative-enhanced probabilistic risk tool intervention. The median age was 38 years (range, 21-67 years), 22 individuals were female (61%), 14 were Black or African American (39%), and 14 were White (39%). Five themes emerged from the analysis in the following domains: the factors associated with the risk interventions; clinician paternalism; analgesia attributes and previous experiences; individual self-identity, attitudes, and values; and perceptions of clinician bias. Most participants commented on the powerful lessons they learned from the risk interventions. More research is needed to understand how patients incorporate risk information into their decision-making process.

"Don't rush into thinking of walking again": Patient views of treatment and disability following an open tibia fracture in Malawi.

Background: Open tibia fractures are a common injury following road traffic accidents in Malawi and can lead to long term disability. Very little is known about patients' experiences of the healthcare system and the disability in low-income countries following this injury. The aim of the study was to explore patient experiences of treatment and disability following an open tibia fracture in Malawi. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with ten patients with open tibia fractures at a central hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. A mixed deductive-inductive thematic analysis was used to identify broad themes of treatment and disability. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: Patient characteristics included an average age of 39.1 years old (22-63) and 80% were male. Broad themes found were delays in receiving treatment, change in individuals' societal role and delayed recovery associated with pain and immobility. Conclusions: Open tibia fractures in Malawi have a devastating impact on patients and their families. Further studies are required to explore the reasons for the delays in open fracture emergency treatment.

225 Identification of meaningful aspects of health connected to the symptom of nocturnal scratching in patients with atopic dermatitis

Substantial work is underway across both pharmaceutical companies and digital product manufacturers to apply digital technologies to better measure symptoms in acute dermatologic conditions. To date, among the more advanced and promising applications of digital clinical measures as a drug development tool is nocturnal scratch. Novel digital clinical measures could provide an additional tool in answering the need for improved, precise, long-term quantitative measures of nocturnal scratching. In this work, a consortium of industry, patient advocacy and non-profit organizations came together to develop a mixed methods study to explore patient experience with nocturnal scratch.

‘Between foods and medicines’: A qualitative interview study of patient experiences of the meaning and usage of oral nutritional supplements

The aim of this study was to deepen the understanding of what oral nutritional supplements mean to patients and how this meaning connects to supplement usage, by exploring patient experiences of such supplements. Qualitative interviews were conducted in June 2019–March 2020 with ten patients with malnutrition or at nutritional risk, prescribed oral nutritional supplements by dietitians. Data were thematically analysed using systematic text condensation. Two final categories were identified: ‘Oral nutritional supplements are a one-dimensional remedy’ and ‘Everyday oral nutritional supplement usage is regulated autonomously’. The patients described the meaning of oral nutritional supplements as nutrition. While the supplements could compensate for nutrients not eaten or be part of a helpful compensation strategy, they could not lessen the burden of altered eating. Supplement usage was described as dependent on the acceptance of taste and the priority given to nutrition in everyday life. Usage was greater when nutrients were perceived as needed, such as when striving for higher bodyweight or disease recovery. Usage was lower when a patient's own goals were not increased nutrient intake or bodyweight or when other activities were perceived as more important. Patient experiences indicated that oral nutritional supplements could serve as a remedy for malnutrition, but not for a situation of altered eating. Supplement usage was described as being regulated autonomously based on patient views on the importance of nutrition. Those views were diverse, highlighting the importance of supplement prescribers discussing treatment goals with each patient. A deeper understanding of the meaning of oral nutritional supplements and reasons for their usage from a patient perspective is crucial in order for healthcare to provide appropriate, effective nutrition therapy for malnutrition.

Exploring patient experiences after treatment of humeral shaft fractures: A qualitative study

IntroductionHumeral shaft fracture treatment can induce serious morbidities, and it is unclear how these morbidities impact patients. To gain in-depth knowledge, we explored how patients experience humeral shaft fractures and the subsequent treatment course. MethodA qualitative study was performed using semi-structured individual interviews. A purposive sampling approach was conducted to recruit patients with traumatic isolated humeral shaft fractures; the patients’ ages, genders, primary treatments, and complications varied. Data saturation was met after the data of 12 patients were analyzed using Malterud Systematic Text Condensation. ResultsEight women and four men with a median age of 48.5 years (range: 22–83 years) were interviewed. The median time from injury to interview was 12.5 months (range: 8–18 months). Ten out of twelve patients were treated non-surgically; of those ten, four patients experienced major complications from the primary treatment. During the analysis, five overarching themes appeared: expectations, physical changes, support and independence, psychological impact, and the specific treatment and recovery. ConclusionFirst, patients with humeral shaft fractures expressed frustration with treatment in the emergency department. Second, gross fracture movement and pain were central symptoms that led to the loss of basic capabilities. Third, patient preferences were included in the treatment decision-making process and could change throughout the treatment course. Fourth, patients required massive support to perform basic activities of daily living.

The impact of consecutive COVID-19 lockdowns in England on mental wellbeing in people with inflammatory arthritis

BackgroundDuring the first UK COVID-19 lockdown, studies identified over half of inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients in the UK reported a worsening of emotional distress. Given the prolonged nature of the pandemic, and the strict ‘shielding’ restrictions imposed on ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ populations, it is likely that the implementation of the second lockdown period in England, during November 2020, may also have had a negative impact on the mental health of IA patients. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of consecutive lockdown periods on mental wellbeing in people with IA.MethodsNine IA patients took part in semi-structured telephone interviews at both baseline (June/July 2020) and follow-up (November 2020). The interview schedule, which was developed and piloted with a Patient Research Partner, explored patient experiences and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown periods. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsFive males and four females, with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or spondylarthritis, aged between 24–79 years (mean = 49.9, SD = 20.9) were included in the sample. Four main themes impacting on mental wellbeing were identified from the data: (1) Pandemic fatigue versus pandemic acclimatisation, (2) Social interaction and isolation, (3) Clarity of information, (4) Seasonal changes.ConclusionThe first two COVID-19 lockdown periods in England had an ongoing impact on the mental health of patients with IA. Healthcare professionals, in conjunction with government support, should ensure that adequate information and mental health resources are available to support IA patients during periods of ongoing restrictions, whilst also continuing to encourage behaviours which promote good mental health and wellbeing.

'I knew I'd be taken care of': Exploring patient experiences in the Emergency Department.

AimsTo explore adult Emergency Department patient experiences to inform the development of a new Emergency Department patient‐reported experience measure.DesignDescriptive, exploratory qualitative study using semi‐structured individual interviews with adult Emergency Department patients.MethodologyParticipants were recruited across two Emergency Departments in Southeast Queensland, Australia during September and October 2020. Purposive sampling based on maximum variation was used. Participants were recruited during their Emergency Department presentation and interviewed in 2‐weeks via telephone. Inductive thematic analysis followed the approach proposed by Braun and Clarke (2012).ResultsThirty participants were interviewed, and four themes were inductively identified: Caring relationships between patients and Emergency Department care providers; Being in the Emergency Department environment; Variations in waiting for care; and Having a companion in the Emergency Department. Caring relationships between patients and Emergency Department care providers included being treated like a person and being cared for, being informed about and included in care, and feeling confident in care providers. Being in the Emergency Department environment included being around other patients, feeling comfortable and having privacy. Variations in waiting for care included expecting a longer wait, waiting throughout the Emergency Department journey and receiving timely care. Having a companion in the Emergency Department included not feeling alone, and observing care providers engage with companions.ConclusionPatient experiences in the Emergency Department are multifaceted, and themes are not mutually exclusive. These findings demonstrate consistency with the core experiential themes identified in the international literature.ImpactStrategies to improve patient engagement in shared decision‐making, and communication between patients and care providers about wait times will be critical to optimizing Emergency Department patient experiences, and person‐centred practice. These findings holistically conceptualize patient experiences in the Emergency Department which is the first step to developing a new Emergency Department patient‐reported experience measure.