Challenges in Adopting Patient-Cantered Care within Nursing Practice: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.1023Keywords:
Patient-centered care, nursing practice, communication barriers, healthcare outcomes, empirical studies.Abstract
Background: Patient-centered care (PCC) plays a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes by addressing the individual needs and preferences of patients. Despite its significance, challenges to the implementation of PCC in nursing remain, impacting communication and the overall quality of care.
Methods: This literature review examines empirical studies on nurse-patient interactions across various healthcare environments. Relevant articles published in English were sourced from databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline, with a focus on identifying barriers and facilitators of patient-centered communication. Key themes were extracted and used to develop a conceptual framework, the Patient-Centered Care and Communication Continuum (PC4) Model.
Results: The review identified four primary categories of barriers: those related to institutional and healthcare systems, communication issues, environmental factors, and personal and behavioral obstacles. Common challenges include insufficient staffing, time limitations, lack of communication training, and cultural differences between nurses and patients. The findings emphasize the importance of effective communication in achieving successful PCC, noting that enhanced nurse-patient interactions promote patient engagement and satisfaction.
Conclusion: Overcoming the identified barriers is essential to improving patient-centered care in nursing practice. The PC4 Model offers a useful framework for understanding and enhancing nurse-patient communication. By prioritizing effective communication and creating a supportive healthcare environment, nurses can better meet the needs of patients and families, leading to improved health outcomes.
