Developing Patient-Centered Medical Clinics: A Systematic Review of Quality Improvement and Service Design Strategies

Abstract

Patient-centered medical clinics are emerging as the cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery, emphasizing individualized care, service quality, and organizational efficiency. This systematic review explores the key quality improvement and service design strategies that contribute to the development of patient-centered clinics. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies published between 2016 and 2025. Findings reveal that successful clinic development relies on integrating continuous quality improvement frameworks such as Lean and Six Sigma with human-centered design approaches that enhance patient experience. Evidence highlights the critical roles of leadership, staff engagement, workflow redesign, and digital health technologies—such as electronic health records and telehealth—in achieving measurable gains in satisfaction, efficiency, and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the review identifies sustainability and adaptability as major success factors in evolving healthcare environments. Overall, developing patient-centered clinics requires a strategic blend of innovation, quality systems, and participatory design to ensure accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare aligned with global standards and national transformation visions such as Saudi Vision 2030.