Mapping the experiences of patient centered care for nurses in the role of patients: A scoping review

Background. Patient- or person-centred care (PCC) has become a core competency that healthcare professionals must develop to deliver high-quality care. PCC enhances positive patient perceptions of care, promoting patient safety and overall health outcomes. Yet, little is known about PCC from nurses who become patients. Aim. To map nurse patients’ experiences and perceptions of PCC and how their illness experiences influence nursing practice after recovery. Methods. A scoping review methodology was implemented. Scopus, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched for relevant literature using a comprehensive list of keywords, including nurse patient, nurse-as-patient, person-centred care, person-focused care, hospital, experiences, etc. Thematic analysis was conducted on extracted data, and the results were reported narratively. Results. Thirty-seven (37) studies were included in this review. Four broad themes: experiences of PCC, care practices that promote PCC, the influence of illness experience on nursing practices, and nurse patients’ unique contextual issues were developed, which revealed that nurse patients experienced heightened fear, anxiety, denial, uncertainty, and discomfort when diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses due to their knowledge of the healthcare system. While navigating treatment, most nurse patients experience care that aligns with PCC dimensions (respecting patient dignity, treating patients as persons, providing adequate information, and effective communication). Others received care that deviated from PCC principles, including waiting for long periods to access treatment services, being stereotyped, not being provided enough information, and being less engaged in their care. Furthermore, nurse patients faced unique challenges, including role ambiguity and confidentiality and privacy concerns. Nonetheless, they promoted PCC in their nursing practice after recovery by advocating for patients, serving on healthcare boards, influencing policy change, and becoming peer educators. Conclusion. Research from different nurse patients is needed to deepen our understanding of PCC and how nurse patients’ illness experiences drive quality care and patient safety.