Patient centeredness: The perspectives of uninsured primary care patients
Kamimura, A.,Weaver, S., Armenta, B., Gull., B., & Ashby, J. (2019). Patient centeredness: The
perspectives of uninsured primary care patients. International Journal of Care Coordination.
(2017 SJR - SCImago Journal Rank - Score: 0.455; cite per doc: 1.125).
https://doi.org/10.1177/2053434519836424
Introduction
Patient-centered care has become increasingly important within the United States (US)
healthcare system. Given that patient-centered care predicts patient satisfaction,
health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, it is of the utmost importance to study patient-centered
care from the perspectives of marginalized populations including minorities, immigrants,
and other underserved populations. The purpose of this study is to examine factors
that affect underserved primary care patients’ perceptions of patient centeredness.
Methods
The data were cross-sectional and collected in Fall 2016. Free clinic patients (N = 723)
completed a self-administered survey, which measures patient centeredness, patient
involvement in care, and clinical empathy. Validated measures were part of the survey,
and the internal consistency of scales was tested. The general linear model was performed
to predict factors associated with patients’ perceptions of patient centeredness.
Results
Higher levels of perceived patient involvement in care and higher levels of perceived
empathy in consultation are related to higher levels of patient centeredness. While
better physical health is associated with higher levels of perceived empathy in consultation,
high levels of emotional health and depression are not.
Conclusions
Patients’ perceptions of involvement and empathy are important factors for patient-centered
care, although this study did not show causal directions among variables. Based on
the findings of this study, it is recommended that future studies should focus on
the following three points: (1) to develop and evaluate trainings for providers, (2)
develop education classes for patients who utilize free clinics, (3) analyze how these
programs affect patient-centered care and health outcomes.