Examining the Theoretical Relationship between Constructs in the Person-Centred Practice Framework: A Structural Equation Model

Research relating to person-centred practice continues to expand and currently there is a dearth of statistical evidence that tests the validity of an accepted model for person-centred practice. The Person-centred Practice Framework is a midrange theory that is used globally, across a range of diverse settings. The aim of this study was to statistically examine the relationships within the Person-centred Practice Framework. A cross sectional survey design using a standardized tool was used to assess a purposive sample (n = 1283, 31.8%) of multi-disciplinary health professionals across Ireland. Survey construct scores were included in a structural model to examine the theoretical model of person-centred practice. The results were drawn from a multi-disciplinary sample, and represented a broad range of clinical settings. The model explains 60.5% of the total variance. Factor loadings on the second order latent construct, along with fit statistics, confirm the acceptability of the measurement model. Statistically significant factor loadings were also acceptable. A positive, statistically significant relationship was observed between components of the Person-centred Practice Framework confirming it’s theoretical propositions. The study provides statistical evidence to support the Person-centred Practice Framework, with a multidisciplinary sample. The findings help confirm the effectiveness of the Person-Centred Practice Index for-Staff as an instrument that is theoretically aligned to an internationally recognised model for person-centred practice.