Effective strategies for implementing patient‑centered care in cardiac care unit: An opportunity for change

Patient‑centered care (PCC) is a cornerstone for health‑care professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients with cardiac disease. However, implementation of PCC programs has always accompanied with unpredictable challenges and obstacles. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine effective strategies for the implementation of PCC from the perspective of patients and healthcare providers.

The present research was a qualitative study using conventional content analysis method in one of the university hospitals of Abadan University of Medical Sciences during 2019–2020. Purposive sampling was performed until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected through four focused group discussions and 24 in‑depth semi‑structured interviews with 22 health‑care providers and seven cardiac patients. Depending on the interview process and the responses of each individual, the sequencing of questions was different from one participant to another. Data analysis was performed continuously and concurrently with data collection, using a comparative method.

After data analysis, seven subcategories and three main categories were extracted. The main categories included structural, process, and outcome strategies. The category of structural strategies included subcategories of nursing care organization, application of appropriate motivational mechanisms, and expansion of team coordination. Process strategies included three subcategories, namely, promoting communication, respectful and compassionate care, and the development of holistic care. Finally, the outcome strategy consisted of the subcategory of patient empowerment.

The practical strategies for the implementation of PCC in coronary care unit revealed in this study were at structural, process, and outcome levels. Health‑care managers and administrators can avail themselves of the findings of the present study to promote the quality care for cardiac care unit patients and improve patient satisfaction.