Patient-centeredness and its impact on patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes in medical rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of patient-centeredness for patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.

METHOD

A multicenter cross-sectional survey study with patients (n=1033) in nine medical rehabilitation centers in Germany was conducted. Data was analyzed with multiple linear regression. Predictors were patient-centeredness (CCRQ-15) and patient́s age, employment and therapeutic indication; outcomes were patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes (changes in living conditions and health status).

RESULTS

The regression model could explain 54% of variance in patient satisfaction. The strongest predictor was decision-making/communication (β=0.34). In treatment outcome, 19% of variance of changes in living conditions and 21% of variance of changes in state of health could be explained. The strongest predictor in both variables was self-management/empowerment (β=0.40 and 0.32, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results emphasize the relevance of patient-centered treatments for patient satisfaction and treatment results. The evidence is provided for the first time in medical rehabilitation.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Further studies should consider multilevel modeling and diverse survey methods. Continued implementation and evaluation of patient-centeredness in the medical rehabilitation treatment are recommended measures. Promoting shared decision-making, effective clinician-patient communication, and increased patient empowerment are essential, e.g. by patient education programs or staff training in shared decision-making.