Patient safety: a consumer's perspective

Qual Health Res. 2011 May;21(5):662-72. doi: 10.1177/1049732311399779. Epub 2011 Feb 22.

Abstract

In this article we provide a reconceptualization of patient-centered health care practice through a collaborative person-centered model for enhanced patient safety. Twenty-one participants were selected and interviewed from the internationally diverse population of individuals attending the Chicago Patient Safety Workshop (CPSW) sponsored by Consumers Advancing Patient Safety (CAPS). Analysis of the participant transcripts revealed three findings related to patient experience: the impact and meaning of communication and relationship within the health care setting, trust and expectation for the patient and family with the health care provider, and the meaning and application of patient-centeredness. Researchers concluded that successful planning toward enhanced patient-centered care requires multiple perspectives, including the voices of the patient and family members who have experienced the trauma of preventable medical error. Collaborative initiatives such as the CPSW and CAPS offer a positive way forward for enhanced patient safety and quality of care.

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Data Collection
  • Education
  • Humans
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Patient-Centered Care / methods*
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Qualitative Research
  • Safety*
  • Trust