PCC@Work - Person-centred care and the health and working environment of healthcare professionals. A prospective longitudinal cohort study combined with a grounded theory study

Research problem and specific questionsEthical stress, high workload and job dissatisfaction may lead to difficulties recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Person-centred care (PCC) is based on ethical principles and care is co-created through partnership between HCPs and patients.

The few studies in this area, mostly performed in residential care, indicate that application of PCC can improve the work environment and work-related health of HCPs. There is a great need for knowledge about how applied PCC influences HCPs in other types of settings.

The overall aim of this project (PCC@Work) is to follow, describe and assess the impact of applying PCC in hospital, outpatient and primary care on work-related health and job satisfaction among HCPs, and to explore the HCPs experiences of their work-related health and job satisfaction while applying PCC.

How does the introduction of PCC impact stress of conscience, job satisfaction, job strain, sickness absence and intent to leave among HCPs?What is the association between HCPs perceived level of PCC and stress of conscience, job satisfaction, job strain, and intent to leave?Is the application of PCC associated with different outcomes depending on healthcare setting and professional group?How does HCPs experience their work-related health and job satisfaction while applying PCC?Data and methodThe study design is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study combined with a qualitative grounded theory study.

For the cohort study a web-based questionnaire will be distributed to at least 2200 HCPs in contact with patients in hospital wards, outpatient clinics and primary care centres in Region Västra Götaland (VGR).

In addition, semi-structured interviews will be performed with approximately 25 HCPs from different healthcare settings.

Plan for project realisationOur interdisciplinary team of researchers with solid competence within the fields of PCC and work-related health have a rich network in VGR and extensive experiences and knowledge of running larger projects effectively and in the necessary research methods required to carry out the PCC@Work project, which includes design and conduct of cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies and qualitative interview studies.

RelevanceOptimising the HCPs’ work environment is vital to retain the workforce and safeguard the quality of care. PCC can form a critical component for effective change in the work environment of HCPs.