How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced patient-centred care? Analysis of a qualitative collective case study by high performing practice teams

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected primary healthcare systems throughout the world. The aim of this article is to present the analysis of the perspectives and experiences of patient-centred care (PCC) during the pandemic by high-functioning general practice teams in Australia.

METHOD: A qualitative descriptive approach and collective case study method was employed. Participants, who undertook a semi-structured interview, were representatives of high-functioning general practice teams. Reflective thematic analysis was applied to all interview data (meta-synthesis) using a constant comparison approach.

RESULTS: Five clinic representatives were interviewed. Six themes developed, highlighting that despite the pandemic creating new challenges to delivering PCC, general practice teams maintained a focus on PCC. General practice teams adapted to deliver PCC through strategies not used prior to the pandemic.

DISCUSSION: This study identified new approaches to PCC that can guide other general practices and progress the health system towards policy-based PCC objectives.