gms | German Medical Science

Background and current state of research: Patient-centered care (PCC) is a highly important facilitator of high-quality healthcare and is internationally recognized. In 2006, Chile has declared PCC as a fundamental pillar of its health care system. However, implementation in routine care in Chile is still scarce.

Research question and aim, hypothesis: In order to promote PCC, a series of workshops was held in Santiago de Chile that aimed to transfer knowledge on PCC and shared decision-making, a core dimension of PCC. This presentation will address the content of the workshops, the participants’ evaluation, and which best practice advices can be derived for future international transfer.

Method: Fifty-one participants, who were predominantly clinicians or representatives of the Chilean Ministry of Health, took part in 2-days of workshops. The four main topics of the presentations were (1) concepts and practices of PCC and shared decision-making, (2) communication strategies, (3) assessment, and (4) implementation and adoption of shared decision-making, and were complemented by a practical exercise of patient-clinician role plays. This syllabus was created in collaboration with the Chilean Division of Primary Care, which is responsible for the implementation of PCC in Chile. We offered simultaneous translation (English to Spanish) for all workshops to diminish the language barrier. N = 46 participants filled in the evaluation sheet at the end. The evaluation form included questions regarding satisfaction, aspects of PCC and shared decision-making, comprehension, and statements related to specific sessions, which were answered on a 4-point rating scale (ranging from 1 = “disagree very much” to 4 = “agree very much”). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the items, while qualitative content analysis was used to form categories of responses from three open-ended questions.

Results: Overall, participants were satisfied with the workshop series (M = 3.84, SD = 0.36). They rated PCC (M = 3.98, SD = 0.15) and shared decision-making (M = 3.91, SD = 0.28) as relevant for their work, and were able to follow the presentations easily (M = 3.82, SD = 0.39). Analysis of the open questions revealed that participants appreciated the “tools and applied information which can be put into practice”. Also, they would have liked “more time”, e.g., for practical exercises.

Discussion: Exchanging thoughts and views on PCC with representatives from primary care and health policy makers has enriched the understanding of what can promote implementation of PCC in Chile on both sides. By developing the key topics in close exchange with these stakeholders, the workshops have been tailored to the needs and interests of the target group. To conclude, this workshop series may push forward the implementation of PCC in routine care in Chile.

Implications for health care: Implementation of PCC can be promoted through different means and at different levels. Chile has tried a top-down approach of implementation by politically declaring PCC as a key principle for health care. Addressing members of the Ministry of Health to give them hands-on ideas on how to put the legal PCC promotion framework into practice, paves the way to implement PCC and thus improve health care.

Funding: Individual funding (BMG, DRV, BMBF, DFG, etc); 01DN20005