Patient-centered care measures through the eyes of South African Radiographers and patients: A survey approach

Background

Worldwide there has been a shift in the ideology within healthcare systems that focuses on ‘people’ rather than the ‘patients’. A patient should not only be perceived by their condition but rather viewed holistically as a person. Within a South African (SA) context, the constitution has been amended to state that all South African citizens have the right to healthcare that is caring, free from harm, and effective. Hence, it can be rationalized that patient-centered care (PCC) is a necessary and vital approach in South African healthcare as well. A study conducted by Hyde and Hardy in the United Kingdom (UK) explored measures of PCC from radiography patients, radiographers, radiography managers, radiography educators, and radiography students' perspectives. This study was duplicated to define informed measures of PCC from a South African perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to gain perspectives on PCC measures in diagnostic radiography within a sample of the South African community. This paper focuses on the perspectives of the clinical radiographer and patient respondents.

Method

This study was conducted using a quantitative approach with the use of an online survey. The Qualtrics software was utilized to design the survey. The survey consisted of three PCC themes; use of technology, comfort and emotional support, and control over the environment. Recruitment of the subgroups was via advertisement in social media, email networks, and word of mouth.

Results

There were 28 radiographer responses and 14 patient responses. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 28. Patient care while explaining the use of technology in radiography, received positive responses from both respondent groups. Patient care measures that explored comfort and emotional support received varied responses from patients and radiographers. Important PCC concepts, such as asking the patient about their care needs and health problems, were lacking. Patients indicated that radiographers do not include their family members in the discussion of the care needs even though family involvement is a PCC element.

Conclusion

The perceptions of PCC measures differed between the two groups which indicated that there are still some gaps in clinical practice. Patient involvement in their care and individualized care should be prioritized. There is a need for family involvement during radiography procedures to be better highlighted within clinical practice. It is also recommended that more importance be placed on PCC during undergraduate training. While service delivery is important, radiographers must not disregard their PCC responsibilities towards the patient.