![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
Abstract
Patient-centered care (PCC) has been described as a vague concept, which yields an inconsistent operationalization and implementation of this approach to care. This integrative review of the literature, guided by the conceptualization of PCC as a complex intervention, aimed to identify the specific elements of PCC. Conceptual, empirical and clinical literature in different health professions (n = 178 articles) was critically analyzed. Comparing and contrasting the definitions and descriptions of PCC revealed three specific elements that were represented in these components: holistic, collaborative and responsive care. Activities that constitute each component were specified. The implementation of PCC components is facilitated by a non-specific element: the therapeutic relationship. The results inform the development of protocols that can be used to promote the fidelity with which PCC is delivered by different professionals in a variety of healthcare settings.