Integrative literature review of evidence‐based patient‐centred care guidelines

Aim To summarize what facilitates patient‐centred care for adult patients in acute healthcare settings from evidence‐based patient‐centred care guidelines. Design An integrative literature review. Data sources The following data sources were searched between 2002‐2020: Citation databases: CINAHL, Medline, Biomed Central, Academic Search Complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition and Google Scholar. Guideline databases: US National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines International Network, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Websites of guideline developers: Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Royal College of Nurses, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, New Zealand Guidelines Group, National Health and Medical Research Council, and Canadian Medical Association. Guidelines. Review methods Whittemore and Knafl's five‐step integrative literature review: (1) identification of research problem; (2) search of the literature; (3) evaluation of data; (4) analysis of data; and (5) presentation of results. Results Following critical appraisal, nine guidelines were included for data extraction and synthesis. The following three groups of factors were found to facilitate patient‐centred care: 1) Patient care practices: embracing values foundational to patient‐centred care, optimal communication in all aspects of care, rendering basic nursing care practices, and family involvement; 2) Educational factors: staff and patient education; and 3) Organizational and policy factors: organizational and managerial support, organizational champions, healthy work environment, and organizational structures promoting interdisciplinary partnership. Conclusion Evidence from included guidelines can be used by nurses, with the required support and buy‐in from management, to promote patient‐centred care. Impact Patient‐centred care is essential for quality care. No other literature review has been conducted in the English language to summarize evidence‐based patient‐centred care guidelines. Patient care practices and educational, organizational, and policy factors promote patient‐centred care to improve quality of care and raise levels of awareness of patient‐centred care among nursing staff and patients.