RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 What do patients expect? Assessing patient-centredness from the patients’ perspective: an interview study
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e047810
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047810
VO 11
IS 7
A1 Zeh, Stefan
A1 Christalle, Eva
A1 Zill, Jördis M
A1 Härter, Martin
A1 Block, Andreas
A1 Scholl, Isabelle
YR 2021
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/7/e047810.abstract
AB Objective Although there has been much conceptual work on patient-centredness (PC), patients‘ perspectives on PC were neglected. In a previous study, participating patients rated the relevance of 16 dimensions of an integrative model of PC as high to very high. However, it remained unclear which specific behaviours described in the dimensions were considered most relevant. Thus, the aim of the current study was to further explore which of the specific behaviours described in the model are especially relevant for the high ratings in the previous study.Methods and design We conducted semistructured interviews with 20 patients with chronic diseases (16 females, 4 males, mean age: 52 years). Patients answered questions regarding their experiences in the German healthcare system and how optimal healthcare would look like from their perspective. Furthermore, patients were asked to reflect on the most important aspects which they had mentioned in the interview before. Data were analysed via content analysis.Results Participants addressed many different aspects of PC, but mostly focused on three major themes: (1) time appropriate access to care, (2) competence, empathy and being taken seriously by HCPs, (3) HCPs’ individual consideration of each patient’s situation (eg, wishes and needs). Minor themes were: (1) taking a holistic perspective of the patient, (2) patient-centred communication, (3) integration of multidisciplinary treatment elements, (4) transparency regarding waiting time and (5) reduction of unequal access to care.Conclusion This study enriches the construct of PC by depicting essential aspects of PC from the patients’ perspective. The results allow prioritising strategies to implement patient-centred care. Thus, this study helps to pursue the ultimate goal of fostering patient-centred healthcare delivery in Germany.Data are available upon reasonable request. All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplemental information.