Patient-Centered Communication: Incorporating Principles of Dialogic Practice and Family Centered Rounds on an Inpatient Psychotic Disorders Unit

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Patient-Centered Communication (PCC), Open Dialogue-inspired changes to rounding practices and culture, on patient perceptions of care on an inpatient psychotic disorders unit. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted based on medical records, restraint and seclusion records, and hospital Perceptions of Care (PoC) surveys. The analysis compared data from 6-month periods before and after implementation of PCC to quantify whether the implementation of PCC was associated with more positive care ratings. There were trends toward improvement suggestive of an effect on patients’ perception that their care was adequately explained, that they felt involved in care, that they felt respected, and that they were supported during hospitalization, although improvements did not achieve statistical significance. Greater improvement was observed for teams that incorporated a greater number of interventions. Dialogic practice-inspired changes on an acute inpatient unit may improve patient perceptions of inclusion and respect in their care.