Barriers to Patient-Centered Care: A Thematic Analysis Study

Purpose To explore nurses’ attitudes and experience toward the barriers to achieving patient‐centered care in the critical care setting. Methods A qualitative exploratory design with thematic analysis approach was used to collect and analyze data, and identify barriers to patient‐centered care. Data collection was based on in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Findings Data analyses resulted in the identification of three themes: (a) lack of common understanding of teamwork, (b) individual barriers, and (c) organizational barriers. Conclusion This study goes beyond reporting problems with patient‐centered care to try to understand why patients do not always receive high‐quality care. Implication for Nursing Practice For achieving patient‐centered care, not only nurses’ individual efforts in following up‐to‐date evidence‐based practice and having a holistic view are necessary, but also team coordination, organizational support, and elimination of nursing job problems.