Patient-centred orientation among healthcare professionals in a Singapore community hospital

Abstract Background Patient-centred care (PCC) is central to high-quality healthcare. Yet few studies have examined the orientation of multidisciplinary staff toward patient-centredness in community hospital settings. The study aimed to assess patient-centred orientation among healthcare professionals in a Singaporean community hospital and to identify factors associated with this orientation. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 261 physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation professionals was conducted in St Luke’s Hospital, a community hospital in Singapore. The 18-item Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) was used to assess patient-centred orientation, with higher scores indicating greater patient-centredness. Multivariable linear regression analyses identified factors associated with patient-centred orientation. Results The mean PPOS score was 3.75 points ( SD = 0.63) on a 1–6 scale. Physicians scored significantly higher than nurses and therapy aides ( p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, professional role, a hospital culture that promotes PCC, and occasional stress without burnout were independently associated with higher PPOS scores. Conclusion Significant variation in patient-centred orientation may exist across professional groups, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to foster patient-centred orientation, particularly among nurses and therapy aides. Organisational culture and staff well-being also represent important considerations for promoting patient-centred orientation among healthcare professionals. Further research should examine whether patient-centred orientation translates into patient-centred behaviours in clinical practice.