What is ‘patient-centered care’?

The concept of ‘patient-centered care’ fundamentally revolves around the recognition and prioritization of individual patient preferences, values, and needs in the healthcare process. This approach ensures that patients are actively involved in their own care, encouraging a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients. It emphasizes understanding the patient as a whole person, considering their unique experiences, backgrounds, and goals in the context of their health.

In patient-centered care, decision-making is a shared process that respects the patient's choices and enables them to contribute meaningfully to their treatment plans. This model seeks not only to treat the physical ailments of patients but also to address their emotional, psychological, and social needs, ultimately aiming for an improved healthcare experience and better outcomes.

Patient-centered care stands in contrast to alternatives that might prioritize efficiency, cost reduction, or institutional needs, which could neglect the personal preferences and individual circumstances of the patients. The focus on patient values and preferences is what distinctly defines and validates this model as an effective and humane approach to healthcare.