Table 1_Person-centered workplace culture: insights from an inpatient department for older adults with chronic illnesses.docx

IntroductionAn aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions challenge healthcare systems in developed countries. In response, there is a growing emphasis on person-centered care, as advocated by the World Health Organization and integrated into national health strategies in countries such as the UK and Sweden. However, transitioning to person-centered care is a complex, long-term process shaped by organizational culture and care environments. These contextual factors play crucial roles in the development and sustainability of person-centered practice, significantly transforming the experiences of both older adults and staff.
ObjectiveTo describe how workplace culture within an inpatient hospital department shapes person-centered care practices for older adults with chronic illnesses.
MethodsA qualitative, descriptive, exploratory-observational study was performed. Data were collected through participant observation guided by the Workplace Culture Critical Analysis Tool®. In a deductive thematic content analysis, data patterns of meaning were identified. The themes were generated underpinned by the Person-Centered Practice Framework dimensions of prerequisites, the practice environment, and person-centered processes and their respective constructs.
ResultsThemes related to all person-centered practice dimensions were identified. Task demands during shifts create tension between routine-oriented work and the holistic, individualized approach required for person-centeredness. The absence of systematic multiprofessional team meetings further exacerbates this issue, limiting collaborative decision-making and personalized care planning. The contrasts in some subthemes may be related to discrepancies in the care provided by different professionals.
ConclusionThis study highlights the tension between routine-driven care and individualized approaches. Addressing identified challenges, such as formalizing multiprofessional meetings and enhancing reflective practices, is crucial for advancing person-centered care in this setting.