Patient experiences with person-centred and integrated chronic care, focusing on patients with low socioeconomic status: a qualitative study

Background The effectiveness of single disease management programmes in general practice may be limited for patients with low socioeconomic status (SES), as these programmes insufficiently take into account the specific problems and needs of this population. A person-centred integrated care (PC-IC) approach focusing on individual patient’s needs and concerns could address these problems. Aim To explore experiences of patients with (multiple) chronic diseases with regard to the acceptability of a general practice-based PC-IC approach, with a focus on patients with low SES, and to establish which modifications are needed to tailor the approach to this group. Design and setting In 2021, a feasibility study in seven general practices in the Netherlands was carried out. The healthcare professionals provided care based on a PC-IC approach for patients with diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and/or cardiovascular disorders. Patients were followed for 6 months. Method This was a qualitative study using focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and semi-structured telephone interviews in a total of 46 patients with chronic diseases and multimorbidity, including 31 patients with low SES. Results An overall positive experience of participants with the PC-IC approach was observed. Discussing their health made patients feel they were being taken more seriously and seen as a unique individual, and it provided the opportunity to discuss their life and health concerns. Recommended adaptations of the PC-IC approach for patients with low SES include creating materials that are clear and easy to understand and offering communication training for healthcare professionals. Conclusion The PC-IC approach seems helpful for patients with chronic diseases, provided that it is tailored to their skills and abilities. Several modifications for patients with low SES were suggested.