What is person-centred care in Swedish ambulance service? − A qualitative exploratory study

Introduction

Healthcare in Sweden is moving towards a more person-centred approach in which patients are respected as capable individuals with unique needs. Partnership, the co-creation of health plans, and documentation are core components of this approach. The ambulance service is medical- and task-oriented, possibly placing it in conflict with the goals of person-centred care (PCC).

Aim

To explore how nurses in the Swedish ambulance service describe PCC.

Method

A qualitative interview study with eight nurses who served as facilitators for implementing ambulance PCC. Data was analysed using content analysis.

Findings

The analysis resulted in the main category Ambulance PCC is diffuse but applicable and in the three categories: Do good based on an ethical approach, Assemble the patient‘s narrative from multiple sources and Create and agree on a plan.

Conclusion

Ambulance PCC is perceived as a diffuse concept, with unclear translation into practice. The findings highlight the need to determine appropriate levels of care, manage technical equipment without disrupting communication and embody attributes such as calmness and empathy. Despite its ambiguity, ambulance PCC was seen as applicable across all care stages, although requiring adjustments based on urgency, individual circumstances and care setting.