The conceptualisation of patient-centred care: A case study of diabetes management in public facilities in southern Malawi

Patient-centred care (PCC) is one of the pillars of Malawi’s quality of care policyinitiatives. The role of PCC in facilitating quality service delivery is well documented, and its importance may heighten in chronic disease management. Yet, PCC conceptualisation is known to be context specific. The prominent themes emerging from the participants’ conceptualisation of PCC included the following: meeting individual needs, goals and expectations, accessing medication, supporting relationship building, patient involvement, information sharing, holistic care, timeliness and being realistic.