Differences between Staff and Patient Perceptions of Patient Centeredness of IVF Treatments

Introduction

Patient-centered care (PCC) is a core element of health-service quality and a high priority of the Health Ministry. IVF treatments may benefit from the PCC approach. However, to date, there has been no examination of the extent to which PCC is implemented in Israel.

Aim

To compare patients` and staff`s perceptions of the treatment given to patients in IVF units.

Materials & Methods

A study carried out in 8 Israeli IVF units included a survey of 74 staff 524 patients, using structured questionnaires, based on a validated tool. Grades ranged from 0-3. The tool comprises 10 sub-scales, such as staff accessibility; information and explanations; respecting the patients` values and needs and emotional support. The units were sampled such that they represent all Israeli units in several important characteristics: geographical location; size of unit by number of annual treatment cycles and type of ownership.

Results

The overall average grade given by the staff to PCC in their unit was slightly higher than that given by the patients (2.2 versus 2.0 respectively). While the staff gave the highest grade to provision of emotional support, this sub-scale received the lowest grade from the patients. Differences were found in the grades of various sub-scales, in the general scale, between the various units and by unit characteristics and professions.

Conclusions

For the first time in Israel, this study provides data on the extent to which IVF treatments are commensurate with PCC. It is important to consider the differences between staff`s and patients` perceptions in order to improve the quality of care.