An exploration of the relationship between positive patient experiences in acute hospital settings and person-centred care activities

Rationale Person-centred care has become a central tenet of health and social care related policies and strategies within Ireland. However, few studies exist that explicitly examine the linkage between perceptions of a... [ view full abstract ]

Rationale
Person-centred care has become a central tenet of health and social care related policies and strategies within Ireland. However, few studies exist that explicitly examine the linkage between perceptions of a person-centred care climate and patients’ experiences of care. As health professionals we overlook the aspects that are critical to creating person-centred workplace contexts. Within this study we will address this gap by examining the relationship between patient and staff perceptions of person-centred care and patients’ experiences of care within the Medical Directorate across 7 acute hospital settings in the Saolta University Health Care Group.

Aim
The aim of the study is to examine, within 7 acute hospital settings in the Saolta University Health Care Group, the relationship between the patient experience and measures of the person-centred climate from the perspective of patients and staff.
Objectives
• To examine the processes consistent with development of person-centred
workplace cultures for both patients and staff.
• To examine how a person-centred workplace culture may improve the care
experiences of patients and their families.
• To establish a consistent and valid approach for analysing patient experience
information
• To examine an approach to inter-organisational benchmarking

Methodology
The study design is based upon a mixed methodology. Quantitative data will be collected at a single time point via a range of standardised instruments in order to measure the development of person-centred processes and outcomes. A fuller explanation of processes and outcomes will be captured using confirmatory evidence from focus groups and semi-structured interviews.

Conclusion
It is anticipated that the study will commence in 1st qtr 2015 with a report available in the 1st qtr 2016. It is further anticipated that study findings will provide statistical evidence of the relationship between the provision of person-centred care (person-centred processes) and positive patient experiences (person-centred outcomes).