OBJECTIVES: The term patient-centred care (PCC) is commonly used in literature and health policy. However, it is ill defined and little is known about its applicability to the management of people with long-term conditions (LTCs). Our research aimed to identify key PCC experiences that matter to people with LTCs and consider the implications for their measurement. METHODS: Four steps were conducted; a conceptual synthesis of existing PCC and patient experience frameworks to produce a new framework, secondary qualitative analysis of patient interviews to identify key experiences of PCC for people with LTCs, development of a PCC questionnaire for people with LTCs, further exploration through cognitive debriefing interviews with people with LTCs and health professionals. RESULTS: The framework of PCC included; access, availability and choice, information, communication and education, relationship with health professionals, involvement in care, respect and dignity, responsiveness to individual needs and preferences, consistency, continuity and co-ordination, and effectiveness of treatment and care. Findings from secondary analysis suggested that the framework was applicable to people with LTCs, but that some aspects held additional value. The themes identified were used to generate items for a generic PCC experience questionnaire for people with LTCs. The final questionnaire consisted of 47 questions. Feedback from the debriefing interviews suggested that the questionnaire captured important aspects of care for people with LTCs and was relevant to a range of different LTCs. CONCLUSIONS: The framework of PCC demonstrated some conceptual problems in understanding and evaluating PCC for LTCs. Findings suggest that a questionnaire of experiences of PCC is feasible and acceptable to people with a range of different LTCs. However, future research needs to consider the potential use and contribution of data in enhancing value of care for people with LTCs alongside the associated cost-benefits of providing and capturing PCC services.