Patient-centered care: The vector of development of obstetric hospital

Objective. To determine the list of the most important preferences associated with a woman’s stay in an obstetric hospital. Subjects and method. The exploratory cross-sectional study enrolled 400 women aged over 18 years who had been admitted to the obstetric department of a round-the-clock hospital. An anonymous survey touching upon the nonclinical aspects of hospital stay was conducted. Ten most important parameters appropriate to the patients’ individual preferences were proposed to be selected during the survey. Results. Empathy among physicians and mid-level healthcare personnel and their duty to inform patients in detail about medical prescriptions and tactics for planned diagnostic and treatment measures were the most important preferences along with the results of treatment itself. Moreover, the mid-level healthcare personnel’s responsive attitude towards women under 30 years of age and primiparas was of greater importance. Conclusion. The obtained knowledge about key preferences will assist the heads of healthcare facilities in choosing priorities when introducing the concept of patient-centered care into the activity of obstetric services and will be able to further elaborate a methodology for its assessment.

patient-centered care, a patient’s preferences, obstetric hospital, pregnant women, puerperas