The people-centered care and inpatients' perceived experience in China: a nationwide cross-sectional study

The concept of People-Centered Care (PCC) is a prominent concept around the world, which is considered as an important concept and practice to promote health equity especially in China. Nevertheless, the association between PCC and the perceived experience of patients remains unclear, particularly from the perspective of the entire nation. This study examined the relationship between PCC and inpatients' perceived experience in China.

The study utilized nationwide data collected from 351 healthcare facilities in 31 provinces representing all facility levels and types using proportional odds models. The five attributes of PCC encompass the following categories: continuity of care, information sharing, enhanced access, effectiveness, and respect, each contributing to improving health equity. Inpatients' perceived experience includes the following factors: inpatients' satisfaction with the hospitalization, the recognition of the hospital, and the recommendation of the hospital.

Concerning inpatients' overall satisfaction with the hospitalization, all PCC attributes had a positive effect on satisfaction, especially for inpatients with higher levels of care continuity and respect, contributing to health equity. Inpatients with a higher level of continuity were 3.66 times more likely to ameliorate their level of satisfaction from "very unsatisfied" to "unsatisfied." Meanwhile, all PCC attributes had significantly positive effects on inpatients' recognition, with effectiveness and respect showing an even stronger association with health equity. Regarding inpatients' recommendation measures, all PCC attributes were positively associated, especially with higher levels of care continuity and effectiveness.

People-centered care is positively associated with inpatients' perceived experience, and enhancing health equity through PCC attributes can further improve this experience. Further reform and practice should focus on the amelioration of continuity of care, promotion of information sharing between medical staff and patients, access and effectiveness of care, and respect for patients, all contributing to health equity.