Patient-centered care: Perceptions of hospital practices, challenges, and plans for implementation

This qualitative exploratory case study used content analysis to discover leaders' perceptions, at one hospital, in three areas: (a) what model or practices have health care providers used for patient-centered care; (b) what challenges and barriers do health care providers face in meeting the needs of patients; and (c) what is the likelihood of implementing a patient-centered health care model within the next five years. Qualitative data were analyzed from the interviews. The data was collected from 15 leaders in various departments and service lines at one hospital using face-to-face semistructured interviews, telephone interviews, and direct observation. The observations were conducted in four service areas: lab, admissions, second floor, and fourth floor. After the observations, the notes were transcribed, and interviews were conducted with four participants who were also initially interviewed. The notes revealed that leaders are implementing patient-centered care. The data revealed three models that have been implemented within the hospital when caring for patients. Four themes also emerged from the data collection. It was also learned that there is limited space within the hospital for expansion of service areas and that implementing a patient-centered health care model in the next five years by leadership is a topic that will need to be further discussed. The results from the study may assist the leaders at medical facilities in discussing concerns within the various departments as well as addressing challenges that can help to enhance patient care.