Patient Experience (PX) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): A Scoping Review

Yara Abou Harb, Deputy Director for Patient Affairs, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Graduate Student American University of beirut, Beirut, LebanonFollow
Geoffrey A. Silvera, Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Associate Editor, Patient Experience Journal, Birmingham, ALFollow

Abstract

Patient Experience (PX) is a growing subject in the healthcare industry due to its association with improved clinical outcomes, patient safety, and business motives. While PX is well studied in high income countries, little is known about the state of PX in Low and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective: The study aims to examine literature on PX and related concepts in LMICs. Methods: This study executes a PRISMA literature review of academic databases (Ovid Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Google Scholar) as well as hand searching of PX related websites from 2005 to 2024. Results: 67 references met search criteria. Four themes are identified that are compassionate care, healthcare providers, healthcare administration and health policy and technology. The themes cover fifteen categories that are communication, interpersonal skills, emotional support, nursing care, medical care, culturally sensitive policies, patient engagement, listening to patients' needs and preferences, leadership support, hospital environment and processes, financial burden, patient rights, quality of care, training, AI and big data management. Conclusion: The exploration of PX in LMICs is growing with contributions from across the globe. Studies have primarily replicated the findings of high-income countries. One theme, culturally sensitive policies, was more pronounced in LMICs and can inform PX in high-income countries. However, most studies were conducted in large cities and economic capitals rather than in rural areas, leading to geographic discrepancies in the body of knowledge. The effect of culture on PX has been demonstrated across contexts, but more research is needed to understand and enhance PX globally.

Recommended Citation

Harb Y, Silvera G. Patient Experience (PX) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): A Scoping Review. Patient Experience Journal. 2026; 13(1):370-397. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2092.