[Measuring patient experiences in healthcare-overview of methods and the Experienced Patient-Centeredness...

Patient-centeredness is a key quality indicator of modern healthcare. To systematically assess this aspect, patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are increasingly used internationally. These tools enable standardized measurement of patient experiences and provide valuable information for evaluating and improving healthcare services. In Germany, however, there is still a lack of widespread, systematic use of such instruments.With the Experienced Patient-Centeredness Questionnaire (EPAT), a generic PREM is now available in German for the first time that comprehensively measures patient-centeredness. Developed through a rigorous and methodologically sound process, the EPAT captures all relevant dimensions of patient-centeredness. It demonstrates high content validity and strong psychometric properties. Its availability in both long and short versions allows for flexible use across various care settings-in both outpatient and inpatient contexts.PREMs like the EPAT are suitable for a wide range of applications, including health services research, as feedback instruments, or for benchmarking purposes. A broad implementation of PREMs and transparent reporting of results are called for by policymakers and demanded by patients. PREMs are gaining importance in quality assurance, and their impact is being increasingly explored in scientific studies. Overall, the use of PREMs holds significant potential for a forward-looking, patient-centered healthcare system.