What is meant by "patient-centered care"?

Patient-centered care refers to an approach that prioritizes the individual needs, preferences, and values of patients in the healthcare setting. This approach ensures that patients are active participants in their own care and that healthcare providers respect and respond to their specific desires, beliefs, and culture. The essence of patient-centered care lies in fostering strong communication between patients and their healthcare providers, ensuring that the relationship is collaborative.

This model contrasts sharply with other focuses that might prioritize institutional factors, such as profitability, efficiency, or administrative tasks. For instance, while reducing wait times can be beneficial, it does not inherently consider whether the treatment aligns with the patient's individual preferences or circumstances. Similarly, concentrating on administrative activities often detracts from the quality of direct patient care and personalized service, which is fundamental to a patient-centered approach. Thus, patient-centered care is vital in enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes by ensuring that care delivery aligns closely with what matters most to each patient.