Exploring patient-centered care in the emergency department through patient engagement and systematic review

Abstract

Patient-centered care (PCC) is an emerging priority in many healthcare settings but its methods lack clarity in the emergency department (ED). It is of interest to know what PCC practices are most important to patients to better their experience. The objective of this thesis is to explore PCC in the ED, its components, challenges, and benefits. We used patient engagement throughout the study, consulting with clinicians, subject-matter experts, patient partners and organizations to reflect patients’ needs. We did a systematic review of articles in the ED context that had elements of PCC. Two independent reviewers screened 3136 articles and 13 were included. Meta-ethnographic analysis was conducted to determine common themes of PCC: emotional support, communication, education, involvement of patient/family in information sharing and decision making, comfort of environment, respect and trust, continuity and transition of care. Challenges in the ED reflected a lack of PCC. Moreover, implementation of PCC had many benefits including higher patient satisfaction with their care. Though there were commonalities of PCC components, there was no consistent definition for PCC in the ED. The findings of this review support the evidence that PCC is of high value to the ED setting and should be standardized in practice.