Navigating person-centred care in Lebanon: a study on the perspectives of primary healthcare centre directors and experts

Background: Person-Centred Care (PCC) is a global health approach, developed in the 1940s, that emphasizes respect for and attention to individual preferences, needs, and values. PCC represents a shift from provider-centred models to a care approach focused on improving the quality of life of individuals based on their specific needs and priorities. This study aims to investigate the perspectives and experiences of experts and directors of urban Primary Healthcare (PHC) Centres regarding PCC implementation in Lebanon. 

Methods: The study used a mixed-methods approach, involving semi-structured interviews with 13 experts and 4 PHC directors from centres in the Greater Beirut area, and a short assessment survey filled by directors. The study focused on six key components of the PCC framework: respecting the individual, treating patients with dignity, understanding their experiences, ensuring confidentiality, delegating responsibilities, and coordinating care. 

Results: The study findings reveal both progress and challenges in implementing PCC within the Lebanese PHC system. While significant steps have been made in some accredited urban centres, particularly in the Greater Beirut area, where directors reported initiatives towards more personalized care, challenges at national level remain. These include the absence of standardized guidelines, insufficient staff training, and systemic barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and cultural resistance. Nevertheless, experts and directors expressed strong support for transitioning to a value-based care model that emphasizes beneficiary outcomes. The study also highlighted the importance of fostering supportive relationships and empowering beneficiaries to enhance PCC delivery. 

Conclusion: Effective implementation of PCC in Lebanon’s PHC centres requires substantial structural reforms, including the development of standardized guidelines, enhanced training programs, and improved coordination among care providers. By integrating these strategies into the broader health system, Lebanon can move closer to a model of care that prioritizes individual needs, improves care quality, and aligns with global best practices.