Yu, C., Xian, Y., et al. (2023).
Frontiers in public health, 11, 1148277.
Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study is to explore the association between patient-centered care (PCC) and inpatient healthcare outcomes, including self-reported physical and mental health status, subjective necessity of hospitalization, and physician-induced demand behaviors.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess patient-centered care among inpatients in comprehensive hospitals through QR codes after discharge from September 2021 to December 2021 and had 5,222 respondents in Jiayuguan, Gansu. The questionnaire included a translated 6-item version of the PCC questionnaire, physician-induced behaviors, and patients' sociodemographic characteristics including gender, household registration, age, and income. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess whether PCC promoted self-reported health, the subjective necessity of hospitalization, and decreased physician-induced demand. The interactions between PCC and household registration were implemented to assess the effect of the difference between adequate and inadequate healthcare resources.
Results
PCC promoted the patient's self-reported physical (OR = 4.154, p < 0.001) and mental health (OR = 5.642, p < 0.001) and subjective necessity of hospitalization (OR = 6.160, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, PCC reduced physician-induced demand in advising to buy medicines outside (OR = 0.415, p < 0.001), paying at the outpatient clinic (OR =0.349, p < 0.001), issuing unnecessary or repeated prescriptions and medical tests (OR = 0.320, p < 0.001), and requiring discharge and readmitting (OR = 0.389, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
By improving health outcomes for inpatients and reducing the risk of physician-induced demand, PCC can benefit both patients and health insurance systems. Therefore, PCC should be implemented in healthcare settings.
Here are some thoughts:
The article explores how patient-centered care (PCC) influences healthcare outcomes, particularly self-reported physical and mental health, perceived necessity of hospitalization, and physician-induced demand behaviors.
For psychologists, this study offers key insights into the psychological impact of PCC. It highlights how involving patients in decision-making not only improves their perceived health but also enhances their sense of agency and engagement in treatment. Patients who experience higher PCC report better physical and mental health, suggesting that feeling heard and respected plays a crucial role in recovery. This aligns with psychological theories on autonomy and self-efficacy, which emphasize the importance of perceived control in well-being.
Another important finding is that PCC reduces physician-induced demand, such as unnecessary prescriptions or medical tests. This suggests that clear, transparent communication between healthcare providers and patients can mitigate over-treatment and enhance trust. For psychologists working in healthcare settings, this underscores the importance of training providers in effective patient communication and shared decision-making to improve adherence and outcomes.
However, the study also notes variations in PCC effectiveness based on socioeconomic status. Urban patients with greater access to healthcare resources reported less benefit from PCC, possibly due to higher expectations. This suggests that tailoring PCC interventions to different populations is essential. Psychologists can contribute by assessing patient expectations and designing interventions that enhance patient engagement while managing unrealistic healthcare beliefs.
