Considering patient-centred care and patient empowerment as essential to quality health care delivery in Ghana

Background: Rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), poor health choices, mistrust of the health system, self-medication, resistance of diseases to medication and dissatisfaction with the service experience serve as red flags on the path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Aim: This study explored the importance of patient-centred care (PCC) and patient empowerment (PE) within the context of healthcare service delivery in Ghana. Setting: The study considered PCC and PE from the perspective of three public healthcare facilities within the Greater Accra region. Methods: The researcher adopted a qualitative exploratory research approach. The study employed purposive sampling for the selection of healthcare facilities and healthcare providers. Convenience sampling was applied to select patient participants. A total of 33 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted across the three sampled facilities as part of the data collection process. Results: Healthcare providers and patients unanimously view quality as essential for effective healthcare delivery. The application of the capacitating role of PE and PCC is inexact and largely left to subjective interpretation. Conclusion: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recognised that patient experiences, a key indicator of care quality, have often been suboptimal and is actively working to address these weaknesses. Contribution: This study supports the call for health systems to remain committed to efforts to achieve UHC, with a focus on PCC and PE.