Perceptions of healthcare providers and patients regarding patient centered Care in Eastern Uganda: A qualitative study

Background Patient-centered care (PCC) is a relatively new concept in our setting. The study aimed at exploring the perceptions of both healthcare workers and patients towards PCC in Eastern Uganda. Materials and methods A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted among nurses, midwives, and patients at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Purposive sampling was used until data saturation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke's approach. Results Healthcare workers perceived PCC as a holistic and humanistic care that encompass all the needs of the patient. There was disconnect between patient and healthcare provider understanding of PCC with most of the patients having a poor conceptualization of PCC. Healthcare providers thought that family involvement was relevant in some settings, while patients were cautious of their confidentiality being breached while involving family members. Conclusion Healthcare providers and patients perceive PCC differently suggesting a need to harmonize conceptualization of PCC. Although healthcare workers were knowledgeable of PCC, patients' felt disempowered to demand for PCC which was coupled by remote tendency of healthcare workers to provide healthcare that is in line with principles.