Integrative literature review of evidence-based patient-centred care guidelines

Abstract

Aim: To summarize what facilitates patient-centred care for adult patients in acute healthcare settings from evidence-based patient-centred care guidelines.

Design: An integrative literature review.

Data sources: The following data sources were searched between 2002-2020: Citation databases: CINAHL, Medline, Biomed Central, Academic Search Complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition and Google Scholar. Guideline databases: US National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines International Network, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Websites of guideline developers: Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Royal College of Nurses, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, New Zealand Guidelines Group, National Health and Medical Research Council, and Canadian Medical Association.

Review methods: Whittemore and Knafl's five-step integrative literature review: (1) identification of research problem; (2) search of the literature; (3) evaluation of data; (4) analysis of data; and (5) presentation of results.

Results: Following critical appraisal, nine guidelines were included for data extraction and synthesis. The following three groups of factors were found to facilitate patient-centred care: 1) Patient care practices: embracing values foundational to patient-centred care, optimal communication in all aspects of care, rendering basic nursing care practices, and family involvement; 2) Educational factors: staff and patient education; and 3) Organizational and policy factors: organizational and managerial support, organizational champions, healthy work environment, and organizational structures promoting interdisciplinary partnership.

Conclusion: Evidence from included guidelines can be used by nurses, with the required support and buy-in from management, to promote patient-centred care.

Impact: Patient-centred care is essential for quality care. No other literature review has been conducted in the English language to summarize evidence-based patient-centred care guidelines. Patient care practices and educational, organizational, and policy factors promote patient-centred care to improve quality of care and raise levels of awareness of patient-centred care among nursing staff and patients.

Keywords: Evidence-based; best practice guideline; literature review; nurses; patient-centred care.