Family-Centered Care in Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review of Effects on Parental Satisfaction and Length of Stay

Background: Family-centered care (FCC) is essential in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PICUs), potentially increasing parent satisfaction and reducing length of hospital stay, but evidence of its effectiveness is inconsistent. Objective: To assess the effects of FCC interventions on parent satisfaction and length of hospital stay in PICUs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, with 17 studies meeting the established inclusion criteria. The McMaster tool was used to assess the methodological quality of studies, along with an assessment of risk of bias. Results: The review identified a wide range of FCC interventions, including promoting parental involvement and strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers. Significant improvements in parent satisfaction were noted, particularly in interventions that highlighted cooperation between parents and providers. However, data relating to length of hospital stay were more variable. Conclusion: FCC initiatives demonstrate the potential to improve parental satisfaction in pediatric and neonatal ICUs. However, additional studies using robust designs and uniform outcome metrics are needed to improve the evidence base and gain a clearer understanding of their effects on clinical outcomes. Optimizing FCC practices could enhance the overall experience for patients and families in the ICU

Why We Need a Patient-Centered Innovation Renaissance: A Horizontal and Vertical Integration of Knowledge to Transform Care Pathways

We are at a pivotal moment. The future of healthcare innovation can no longer be defined solely by technological advancement or institutional efficiency. While digital tools, therapies and platforms continue to evolve, they must be embedded within a broader transformation, one that places the human experience at the centre of how we design, deliver and evaluate care. This patient-centred renaissance calls for the integration of both horizontal and vertical forms of knowledge: connecting services across the care continuum. From the literature and our experience, an unexpected byproduct of co-production with patients in health innovation and care delivery is a reduction in complaints, litigation and a significant increase in treatment compliance. 19 This results in a reduction in misdiagnosis, 20 over investigation and treatment, giving a reduction in costs in the overall healthcare economy. Empowering patients as innovators is not a symbolic gesture. It is a practical imperative if we are to create pathways that are not only clinically effective but also meaningful and responsive. Fragmented systems that overwhelm or disorient must give way to cohesive and compassionate journeys, designed with and for the people they are meant to serve. This is a call to rethink not only what we innovate, but how and with whom. Let us commit to building systems that honour not just the science of healing, but the individuals we treat. In doing so, we move closer to a future where innovation and empathy are no longer treated as separate domains, but as interdependent pillars of truly transformative care

A Qualitative Study: Patients\u27 Expectation of Private Hospitals

Objectives: This study was conducted to explore patients\u27 expectations and perceptions of private healthcare facilities, understand the key factors influencing their choice of such facilities, also identify elements that enhance patient satisfaction and loyalty, enabling the development of actionable recommendations to improve patient-centered care in private healthcare settings. Method: A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted with 29 patients from various nationalities and backgrounds who received services in private hospitals in Kuwait, including Dar Al Shifa Hospital. Insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Results: The study delved into the significant correlation between patients\u27 experience of their healthcare encounters and their subsequent loyalty to healthcare providers or facilities. It underscores the pivotal role of communication by care providers within private hospitals in shaping these experiences. Additionally, the study explores the impact of physicians\u27 race or nationality on the patient-physician relationship, nursing care, and hospital ambiance in shaping patient experiences and loyalty. This research seems to provide significant insights into the multifaceted nature of patient experiences and their association with the attributes of healthcare providers. Discussion: The study findings align with global literature emphasizing the role of communication, nursing care, and ambiance in patient satisfaction. The findings underscore the importance of cultural compatibility in patient-physician relationships, particularly when shared racial or ethnic backgrounds enhance trust and communication. Conclusion: This study has emphasized the role of patient experience in building trust and loyalty in healthcare organizations

Taking Time and Making Space for Patient and Caregiver Partners

Patient and caregiver engagement is a paramount element to ensure the voice of lived experience is integrated and prioritized in research. However, what it looks like to actually participate in authentic patient and caregiver engagement can be challenging without understanding the experience of our patient and caregiver partners. I had the honour of interviewing a patient and caregiver partner who bestowed rich guidance about what it means to deliver excellent patient and caregiver engagement in research. Themes of the interview included taking time to collaborate, being mindful and giving gratitude, actively listening to partner voices, leading alongside patient and caregiver partners, and making space at the table for all perspectives. Takeaway messages include recognizing the patient and caregiver partners’ value as a whole person, and building genuine relationships. For researchers interested in engaging with patient and caregiver partners, the messages from this interview provide advice to guide future work to encourage sincere collaboration and share the ways in which research can be a meaningful experience for all members of the team

Contrasting Patients\u27 and Healthcare Professionals\u27 Experience in Hematological Cancer Care Pathway: A Narrative Study

Hematological cancers represent 10% of cancers diagnosed in Canada. Treatments involve complex care pathways and various modalities as well as the management and monitoring of multiple side effects. There is limited understanding of these pathways from the perspectives of the people living with cancer (PLC) and the healthcare professional (HCP). The aim of this article is to contrast the experiences of PLCs and HCPs in the context of hematological cancer care pathway. Narrative study approach was chosen for this exploratory study. Twenty-one narratives were co-created with PLCs (n = 12) and HCPs (n = 9). A structural and comparative analysis of the narratives was performed. Results underline how PLCs\u27 and HCPs\u27 experiences were intertwined but not interdependent. PLCs seek to reconfigure their lives, while HCPs aim to individualize and enhance care for their patients. Furthermore, the shared experience between PLCs and HCPs proved beneficial for both groups. Ultimately, our findings underscore the need to access greater understanding into the dynamics of the relationship between PLCs and HCPs that could enhance quality of healthcare and services in the context of hematological cancer care

Understanding Online Reviews of Geriatricians: Correlations within a Dataset of 53,210 Physician Reviews

Introduction: Online reviews are increasingly influential in how patients find and choose physicians. Patients appreciate the transparency of online reviews, and they offer an avenue for physicians to receive feedback. This cross-sectional study aims to provide insight into correlations between provider level information such as wait times or physician demographics, and the reviews patients submit online for geriatricians. Methods: ParseHub software was used to extract and pool data from 6,631 provider profiles categorized under “geriatric medicine” on the popular open-source physician review website Healthgrades.com. Physician race or ethnicity was modeled by profile last name based on 2010 US census data. Non-physician providers were excluded from the main analysis. Standard statistical models including Pearson correlations and t-tests were used to determine relationships between physician information and their average online rating. Results: We found that physicians with longer wait times have significantly lower reviews (P Conclusions: Our study supports previous studies that have found correlations between longer wait times and lower physician reviews. Cultural barriers and biases may play into lower online reviews of Asian physicians. Further studies will be helpful in addressing causality and improve the patient and physician experience with online reviews

Cancer Partnerships Hub (CPH) Model: Implementing an Organizational Innovation to Enhance Engagement of Patient-Partner in Cancer Care Services

Patient partnership is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of effective care, with healthcare professionals recognizing the immense value of collaboration. This case study delves into the innovative Cancer Partnership Hub (CPH) model implemented at the Integrated University Health and Social Services Center of East Montreal Island (CIUSSS-EMTL) in Quebec, Canada. The CPH model exemplifies the integration of patients as active agents within the cancer program. The CPH Model is designed to offer comprehensive support and information services, providing a diverse array of resources crafted ``by and for\u27\u27 people living with and beyond cancer (PLC). Rooted in the project\u27s motto ``Engage. Share. Progress\u27\u27, the CPH unites a community of PLC, patient-partners, collaborators, and committed healthcare professionals, all working together to enhance care and services within the cancer program of the CIUSSS-EMTL. Expanding upon existing models of patient and public engagement, the CPH has introduced significant innovations in its design and structure. This article aims to present the CPH model as a case study, offering insights into its innovative organizational structure. It delves into the development and implementation process, including the establishment of leadership, empowerment of patient partners, amplification of patient voices, creation of a welcoming environment, and ongoing monitoring and adaptation of services. Moreover, it explores the key principles and objectives of the CPH, emphasizing its role in supporting people living with cancer, enhancing the cancer program, fostering collaborations, and empowering patient partners, providing a valuable insight for healthcare organizations seeking to prioritize patient partnership and deliver patient-centered care effectively in oncology settings

Holding Space: An Effective Intervention for When Hope Wanes

Holding space is a person-centered, non-judgmental approach to working with clients. This approach goes beyond listening to client concerns; it entails deep listening and being present, developing trust with clients, and helping them connect goals with values. Within this brief account, the concept of holding space is described. What it is and is not is explained. Examples of holding space are woven throughout in order illustrate this concept. Finally, implications for professionals are provided

Voices From the Journey: Exploring Rehabilitation Experience of Individuals with Disabilities in a South African Province

Background: Globally, 16% of the population is affected by disabilities, with increasing prevalence due to non-communicable diseases and longer lifespans. This group often faces shorter lifespans, poorer health, and greater challenges than non-disabled peers. Rehabilitation services are essential for improving independence, health, and quality of life by facilitating participation in education, work, and social roles. However, in South Africa, particularly in rural areas, providing these services is difficult. Methods: This qualitative study explored the experiences of people with disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal regarding their interactions with rehabilitation services. Six participants were recruited from a private facility using purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation. Data were collected through focus group discussions, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, presented in vignettes. Findings: Three main themes emerged: support and access to services, quality and effectiveness of services, and issues of equity and advocacy. Participants noted the importance of family support, systemic and socio-economic barriers, disparities in service provision, negative interactions with healthcare professionals, and financial constraints. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for improved patient-centered care, advocacy, and policy reforms to enhance equitable access and quality of rehabilitation services in KwaZulu-Natal

Patient Similarity Analysis and Decision Support Dashboards in Cancer Care: Patients\u27 and Other Stakeholders\u27 Perspectives

Patient Similarity Analysis can be used to develop personalised aids for patients and clinicians making complex healthcare decisions, including those encountered in the oncology domain. However, little is known about patients’ views on how insights derived through Patient Similarity Analysis may be incorporated into decision making at the point of care. In this study, we developed a set of Patient Similarity-based dashboard mock-ups and consulted oncology stakeholders in Aotearoa New Zealand regarding acceptability. Aim: To explore oncology stakeholders’ (patients, clinicians, researchers and advocates) perspectives on the acceptability of using Patient Similarity-based decision dashboards to guide decision making. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive study using non-random, purposive sampling, combined with advertisement and snowball recruitment. We interviewed patients, healthcare providers and other stakeholders. One-off, semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit perspectives on the acceptability of using decision support dashboards, including: participants’ attitudes, the tools fit with the participants’ values and goals, and the potential benefits and burdens. Data was analysed using Directed Content Analysis. Results: Thirty-one participants were interviewed: 19 patients with breast or prostate cancer, seven clinicians, and five other stakeholders. Participants found the dashboard mock-ups generally acceptable, with the information presented considered relevant by most. Participants expressed enthusiasm about using Patient Similarity-based insights, as they made them feel confident in making decisions knowing what patients like them decided in similar circumstances. Participant-identified benefits of using Patient Similarity-based dashboards were: increased relatability to care recommendations based on other similar patients’ experiences; information consolidation, including about non-standard treatments; and shareability with whānau. Participants thought such dashboards would enable patients to actively participate in care decisions, enhancing equitable access to health information. A key challenge noted by both clinicians and patients related to clarity regarding the definition of ‘similar’, which would impact meaningfulness and reliability of recommendations. Conclusion: The proposed dashboard mock-ups were considered acceptable, with Patient Similarity insights reported as valuable and desired by participants. Several considerations and challenges are reported. These findings are relevant to researchers, software developers, health care providers and policy makers developing and/or implementing decision support tools in cancer care and other healthcare settings