Seeking Humanizing Care in Patient-Centered Care Process: A Grounded Theory Study.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Patient-centered care is a global healthcare goal and strategy for improving health outcomes.
• The implementation of patient-centered care varies significantly across different healthcare systems.
• Critical care settings present unique challenges for delivering patient-centered care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the process of implementing patient-centered care within critical care units.
• To identify the core components and phases of delivering patient-centered care in critical care.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed to investigate the phenomenon.
• Data were collected from 5 critical care units at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants, including nurses, patients, and physicians.

Main Results:

• The core category identified was "humanizing care," encompassing four phases: patient acceptance, purposeful assessment, understanding patients, and patient empowerment.
• Humanizing care was conceptualized as both an outcome and an ongoing process.
• Patient-centered care is a dynamic, multifaceted process influenced by nurses' understanding and respect for patient values.

Conclusions:

• Humanizing care, as a core category, integrates the multifaceted nature of patient-centered care in critical settings.
• Effective patient-centered care requires a deep, holistic understanding of patients beyond routine tasks.
• Respecting patient values, needs, and preferences is fundamental to successful patient-centered care delivery.