Determinants of patient-centered care among health care providers in kerugoya county referral hospital, kirinyaga county, in kenya

Abstract

Recognized as essential for high-quality healthcare delivery, patient-centered care (PCC) is increasingly emphasized. Nevertheless, healthcare providers frequently encounter obstacles in implementing PCC, leading to negative patient experiences and less-than optimal health outcomes. Patient-centered care (PCC) is increasingly acknowledged as indispensable for delivering high-quality healthcare. At KCRH health care workers felt demotivated because of poor and unfavorable working conditions. Healthcare providers were unhappy because their concerns had not yet been addressed especially the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Return to Work Formula (RTWF) which leads to more strikes as well as demotivation, negative attitude about health care service delivery, such situation has led to complains from patients about care that is not patient centered. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the factors influencing healthcare providers' provision of patient-centered care at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital (KCRH) in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study encompassed healthcare providers at KCRH, totaling 258 individuals, who constituted the target population. From this, a random sample of 157 participants was selected. Employing a analytical cross-sectional research design, the study utilized Yamane's Taro formula to determine the sample size, considering the finite and known target population. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire and the Patient-Centered Care Assessment Tool (P-CAT), while qualitative data were obtained via key informant interviews guide. Findings suggest that healthcare providers' adoption of a patient-centered approach can be driven by motivation, competency and attitude indicating the importance of cultivating environments where health care providers are able to provide care that is guided by patient needs. The study yielded a PCC score of 43.75, classifying it as "Medium PCC." Proficient medical staff significantly contributed to favorable patient outcomes and satisfaction, underscoring the relevance of competency in PCC. To further explore motivation sustainability and deviant case evidence, future research employing robust longitudinal designs is recommended. Additionally, interventions promoting supportive workplaces, lifelong learning cultures, and competency enhancement are vital for improving patient-centered care practices in healthcare settings. In essence, understanding and addressing patients' unique needs while vi fostering provider motivation, competency and attitude are essential for advancing patient centered care, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcome