Brittany
Consumers want value for their money, even in healthcare. When medical practitioners offer patient-centered care, they focus on the unique health needs of that person. These needs and the desired health outcomes of the patient serve as the driving force behind every decision made. Patients are active partners in their health care, and providers treat them holistically. How does patient-centered care work, and why is this important?
Patient-Centered Care
Patient-centered care is critical today because it encourages individuals to participate actively in their health. They collaborate with their healthcare providers and make decisions together. Organizations need to consider this when they go to hire the providers you need to ensure the new providers will adhere to this philosophy. Patient-centered care focuses on creating a comprehensive care plan customized for the individual.
When patient-centered care is prioritized, the healthcare system’s mission, vision, values, and leadership align with the patient’s goals. Patients receive collaborative and coordinated care when needed, with this care focusing on their physical comfort and emotional well-being. When healthcare decisions are made, the patient’s preferences are a priority. Medical professionals also need to consider their values and cultural traditions. Furthermore, finances play a role in patient-centered care.
The patient and their families become a part of the care team. This care model encourages the presence of family members. Information is shared so informed decisions regarding the patient’s care can be made.
The Benefits of Patient-Centered Care
Patient-centered care improves health outcomes. Many healthcare organizations focus on population health outcomes when they should be looking at individual patients. When individual patient outcomes improve, population outcomes typically do as well.
Patients tend to be more satisfied with their care and share information about their medical providers with others. Clinicians and ancillary staff are more productive, and their morale increases when patient-centered care is offered. Resources are more accessible to allocate, and expenses typically go down at all levels of care.
Patient-Centered Care in Action
Patient-centered care can be seen in all areas of healthcare. Rather than coming up with a diagnosis, the patient and doctor develop a personal relationship, leading to two-way communication and empathy. The doctor sees the patient as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. Doing so allows them to refer the patient to other services that benefit them. Furthermore, the medical team directs them to technology-based tools to help them once they leave the office or facility.
Hospitals also provide patient-centered care. In the past, visiting hours were strictly adhered to, and only certain people could see the patient in the hospital. Today, patients determine who can see them and when. Families are encouraged to be present when doctors do rounds or shift changes so they can speak to the medical team. This team will also provide the family with timely updates and ensure the family’s needs are met in other ways.
Patients receive personalized medicine when this care model is used. The treatments and therapies they receive are customized, as are any medications they are given. For example, cancer treatments today are often based on the patient’s genetics, metabolism, biomarkers, and more. When used with companion diagnostics, doctors are better able to determine which drug will provide the best health outcomes.
More practices today are offering patient-centered care. With this type of care, patients take control of their health and are more satisfied with the care they receive. Fortunately, this model also leads to increased clinical efficacy, so every healthcare organization can use it without hesitation.
