Proposals for person-centred care in the COVID-19 era. Delphi study

Abstract

Background: In this COVID-19 era, we need to rethink the criteria used to measure the results of person-centred care strategies. Objective: To identify priorities, and criteria that health services can use to pursue actually the goal of achieving person-centred care. Design: Three-phase online qualitative study performed during May–July of 2020 using the Delphi technique. Setting and Participants: An online platform was used for a consensus meeting of 114 participants, including health planning experts, health-care institution managers, clinicians and patients. Main Outcome Measures: Criteria and indicators for the achievement of person-centred care. Main Results: The first round began with 125 proposals and 11 dimensions. After the second round, 28 ideas reached a high level of consensus among the participants. Ultimately, the workgroup agreed on 20 criteria for goals in the implementation of person-centred care during the COVID-19 era and 21 related indicators to measure goal achievement. Discussion: Nine dimensions and 28 priorities were identified. These priorities are also in accordance with the quadruple aim approach, which emphasizes the need for care for health-care professionals, without whom it is impossible to achieve a better quality of care. Conclusions: Person-centred care continues to be a key objective. However, new metrics are needed to ensure its continued development during the restoration of public health services beyond the control of COVID-19. Patient or Public Contribution: Twelve professionals and patient representatives participated voluntarily in the construction of the baseline questionnaire and in the selection of the criteria and indicators using an online platform for consensus meetings.