Person-centred care: an overview of reviews

Abstract

Background: Existing evidence suggests that a person-centred approach can improve coordination and access to health care and services.

Objectives: This overview sought to: (1) identify and define components of person-centred care; (2) explore nursing and health-care provider behaviours that are person-centred; and (3) identify systems level supports required to enable person-centred care.

Methods: An overview of reviews was conducted to locate synthesized literature published between June 2005 and April 2014. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted data and quality appraised the sources. Results were synthesized narratively.

Results: A total of 46 articles were deemed relevant to this overview. This paper synthesizes the results of 43 of the 46 articles. A universal definition of person-centred care was not found, however; common components, associated health-care provider behaviours and the organizational supports required for person-centred care are discussed.

Conclusions: Key findings from this review outline that health-care providers and organizations need to promote person-centred care by engaging persons in partnerships, shared decision-making, and meaningful participation in health system improvement.

Keywords: evidence-based practice; experience of care; health system reform; individualized care; person-centred care.