Unlocking Patient and Professional Value Through Patient Experience: Preliminary Development and Validation of the Patient Experience Assessment of In-Center Hemodialysis (PEACHD) Survey.

Abstract

Patient experience is a crucial measure of healthcare quality with the potential to increase value for several health stakeholders. However, various barriers often hinder its impact on quality improvement. Therefore, valid and reliable instruments developed through structured and collaborative processes are needed to establish methodological and organizational practices and ensure consensus and credibility among all stakeholders. This study presents the development and validation of the Patient Experience Assessment of in-Center Hemodialysis (PEACHD) survey. An expert panel, cognitive interviews, and a pilot test were conducted, involving both people receiving hemodialysis care and professionals from four Italian hospitals. The questionnaire evaluates key aspects of the in-center hemodialysis experience, including the provision of medical information, involvement in treatment decision-making, and communication with professionals. The PEACHD survey demonstrated strong content and face validity, acceptable construct validity, and good internal consistency reliability. Pilot data highlighted that the professional delivering care (i.e. nephrologist or dialysis nurse) significantly influenced patient experience and emphasized the need for a holistic and person-centered approach. The PEACHD survey enables effective patient experience evaluation, enhancing value for both service users and professionals.