Defining and implementing patient-centered care: An umbrella review
Sanya Grover, Aoife M. Fitzpatrick, Farah Tabassum Azim, Patrocinio Ariza‐Vega, Paule Bellwood, Jane Burns, Elissa Burton, Lena Fleig, Lindy Clemson, Christiane A. Hoppmann, Kenneth Madden, Morgan Price, Dolores Langford, Maureen C. Ashe
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Patient- or person-centered care (PCC) integrates people's preferences, values, and beliefs into health decision-making. Gaps exist for defining and implementing PCC; therefore, we aimed to identify core elements of PCC and synthesize implementation facilitators and barriers. METHODS: We conducted an overview of systematic reviews (umbrella review) and included peer-reviewed literature for adults in community/primary care settings. Two reviewers independently screened at Level 1 and 2, extracted data and appraised the quality of reviews. Three reviewers conducted a thematic analysis, and we present a narrative synthesis of findings. RESULTS: There were 2371 citations screened, and 10 systematic reviews included. We identified 10 PCC definitions with common elements, such as patient empowerment, patient individuality, and a biopsychosocial approach. Implementation factors focused on communication, training healthcare providers, and organizational structure. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a synthesis of key PCC elements to include in a future definition, and an overview of elements to consider for implementing PCC into practice. We extend existing literature by identifying clinician empowerment and culture change at the systems-level as two future areas to prioritize to enable routine integration of PCC into practice. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Findings may be useful for researchers and or health providers delivering and evaluating PCC.