[Patient-centeredness]

Patient-centeredness has developed into the guiding principle of healthcare policy over the last decade. However, its practical implementation is hindered by numerous problems and opposing interests.

To define and elucidate the term patient-centeredness, describe evidence-based measurement tools and outline recommendations for practical implementation.

A narrative literature review was carried out in Medline, Cochrane Library, PsyINfo and CINHAL. Based on the results the concept of Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREM) is explained and a comprehensive PREM system is developed.

Patient-centeredness is a not yet clearly defined theoretical construct. Patient-centeredness covers up to 16 different aspects ranging from patient involvement to the transition of care. Patient centeredness is most frequently measured via PREMs. Contrary to other countries, there are only a limited number of validated PREMs available in German and measurement qualities are frequently unclear or insufficient. No comprehensive PREM system has been developed for the German language so far. Important aspects of surgical care are not captured by currently available German language PREMs.

Contrary to other countries no comprehensive PREM system is available in the German language. Currently available German PREMs do not enable the adequate assessment of surgical aspects of care. Important organizational, regulatory, methodological, and financial aspects must be addressed before patient-centeredness can be implemented into every clinical practice in German-speaking countries.