# A cross-sectional study on patient-centered care in a selected hospital in eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

## TL;DR

This study explores how critical care nurses in a South African hospital support patient-centered care, finding average levels of support and suggesting the need for more training.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into PCC practices among critical care nurses in a specific South African hospital setting.

## Key findings

- Critical care nurses showed average support for patient-centered care practices.
- Fear and anxiety during patient discussions had the highest mean score.
- Most nurses encouraged patients to express care preferences.

## Abstract

Clinical healthcare reform demands high-quality patient care, especially in emergencies. Patient-centred care (PCC) prioritises therapy based on health, characteristics, and needs.

This study examines critical care nurses’ views on PCC in a hospital in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.

The study was conducted at a selected tertiary care facility in eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

This cross-sectional study examined 119 conveniently selected critical care nurses from five units treating critically ill adult patients in a central tertiary care hospital in eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Personified patient care was measured using the Individualised Care Scale (ICS).

The mean values for nurse-supported customised care ranged from 4.27 ± 0.66 to 4.44 ± 0.61. Fear and anxiety during patient discussions have the highest mean score (4.44 ± 0.61). The mean values for four personal life statements were 4.22 ± 0.72 to 4.29 ± 0.65. Hospitalisation experience was surveyed by 90.8% of people, with a mean score of 4.29 ± 0.61. Patients’ desire to understand their illness was surveyed by nurses (91.60%) with a mean score of 4.39 ± 6.39. The majority (94.9%) of nurses encouraged patients to express care preferences, whereas 85.8% were inquired about their preferred bathing time. The majority (59.70%) scored average, while 38.70% high.

Patient-centred care support was average among critical care nurses. Training and education in critical care should emphasise PCC. To strengthen PCC in clinical practice, execute PCC activities regularly.

The study revealed PCC actions and indicated critical care nurses’ average support.