Patient-Centric Care in Hospitals: A Study on Implementation Challenges and Benefits - An Indian Healthcare Perspective

Abstract

Background: Patient-centric care has emerged as a paradigmatic shift in healthcare delivery, emphasizing collaborative partnerships between patients and healthcare providers. This study examines the implementation challenges and benefits of patient-centric care models in Indian hospitals.

Objective: To analyze the current state of patient-centric care implementation across tertiary care hospitals in India, identify key challenges, and evaluate the associated benefits and outcomes.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative analysis of patient satisfaction scores and clinical outcomes from 15 tertiary care hospitals across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, along with qualitative interviews with 120 healthcare professionals and 300 patients. The study period extended from January 2023 to December 2023.

Results: Implementation of patient-centric care models demonstrated significant improvements in patient satisfaction scores (from 6.2/10 to 8.1/10, p<0.001), reduced average length of stay (from 7.8 days to 6.3 days), and improved clinical outcomes. Key challenges identified include resource constraints (78% of hospitals), staff resistance to change (65%), and technological infrastructure limitations (72%).

Conclusion: While patient-centric care implementation faces substantial challenges in the Indian context, the benefits significantly outweigh the obstacles, warranting systematic adoption across healthcare institutions.