[How to assess Person-Centered Care according to professionals? A Delphi study]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Professionals
• Medical Ethics
• Patient Care

Background:

• Person-Centered Care (PCA) is crucial for quality healthcare.
• Understanding professional perspectives on PCA is essential for its effective implementation.
• Existing frameworks may not fully capture all critical dimensions of PCA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the essential aspects and dimensions of Person-Centered Care (PCA) from the perspective of healthcare professionals.
• To identify and prioritize core components for effective PCA implementation in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• A three-round Delphi technique was employed with 74 medical experts in family medicine, psychology, and sociology.
• Participants completed questionnaires to identify, agree upon, and prioritize aspects of PCA.
• Data analysis involved response rates and Likert scale scoring to rank essential PCA elements.

Main Results:

• The study identified 21 prioritized items for PCA, with high agreement among experts.
• Key aspects consistently valued include respect, comprehensive care, biopsychosocial approach, patient autonomy, and shared decision-making.
• New dimensions such as prevention, health promotion, resource management, and clinical competence were also highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Respect, comprehensive care, biopsychosocial approach, patient autonomy, and shared decision-making are paramount in PCA.
• The findings provide a refined understanding of PCA, incorporating new dimensions relevant to contemporary healthcare.
• These insights can inform the development of training and practice guidelines for person-centered care.