Patients' and kin's perspective on healthcare quality compared to Lachman's multidimensional quality model: Focus group interviews

Abstract

Objectives: To identify key attributes of healthcare quality relevant to patients and kin and to compare them to Lachman's multidimensional quality model.

Methods: Four focus groups with patients and kin were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and a purposive sampling method. Classical content analysis and constant comparison method were used to focus data analysis on individual and group level.

Results: Communication with patients, kin and professionals emerged as a new dimension from interview transcripts. Other identified key attributes largely corresponded with Lachman's multidimensional quality model. They were mainly classified in dimensions: 'Partnership and Co-Production', 'Dignity and Respect' and 'Effectiveness'. Technical quality dimensions were linked to organisational aspects of care in terms of staffing levels and time. The dimension 'Eco-friendly' was not addressed by patients or kin.

Conclusions: The results enhance the comprehension of healthcare quality and contribute to its academic understanding by validating Lachman's multidimensional quality model from patients' and kin's perspective. The model robustness is increased by including communication as a quality dimension surrounding technical domains and core values.

Practice implications: The key attributes can serve as a holistic framework for healthcare organisations to design their quality management system. An instrument can be developed to measure key attributes.

Keywords: Healthcare quality; Patient-centred; Qualitative Research; Quality assessment.