As anyone who works in healthcare will attest, patient-centered care has taken center stage in discussions of quality provision of healthcare, but has the true meaning of patient-centered become lost in the rhetoric? In this week’s Insights, we examine what it means to be truly patient-centered, using the eight principles of patient-centered care highlighted in research conducted by the Picker Institute and Harvard Medical School. Show
Patient-centered care is the practice of caring for patients (and their families) in ways that are meaningful and valuable to the individual patient. It includes listening to, informing and involving patients in their care. The IOM (Institute of Medicine) defines patient-centered care as: “Providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.”[1] Overview of Picker’s Eight Principles of Patient Centered CareUsing a wide range of focus groups — recently discharged patients, family members, physicians and non-physician hospital staff—combined with a review of pertinent literature, researchers from Harvard Medical School, on behalf of Picker Institute and The Commonwealth Fund, defined seven primary dimensions of patient-centered care. These principles were later expanded to include an eighth – access to care. The researchers found that there are certain practices conducive to a positive patient experience and their findings form Picker’s Eight Principles of Patient-Centered Care. 1. Respect for patients’ values, preferences and expressed needsInvolve patients in decision-making, recognizing they are individuals with their own unique values and preferences. Treat patients with dignity, respect and sensitivity to his/her cultural values and autonomy. 2. Coordination and integration of careDuring focus groups, patients expressed feeling vulnerable and powerless in the face of illness. Proper coordination of care can alleviate those feelings. Patients identified three areas in which care coordination can reduce feelings of vulnerability:
3. Information and educationIn interviews, patients expressed their worries that they were not being completely informed about their condition or prognosis. To counter this fear, hospitals can focus on three kinds of communication:
4. Physical comfortThe level of physical comfort patients report has a significant impact on their experience. Three areas were reported as particularly important to patients:
5. Emotional support and alleviation of fear and anxietyFear and anxiety associated with illness can be as debilitating as the physical effects. Caregivers should pay particular attention to:
6. Involvement of family and friendsThis principle addresses the role of family and friends in the patient experience. Family dimensions of patient-centered care were identified as follows:
7. Continuity and transitionPatients expressed concern about their ability to care for themselves after discharge. Meeting patient needs in this area requires the following:
8. Access to carePatients need to know they can access care when it is needed. Focusing mainly on ambulatory care, the following areas were of importance to the patient:
At a global level, there is a seismic shift in thinking about empowering patients to take an active role in their care plan. At Oneview we see first-hand how technology can support patient-centred care, if used in the right way. [1] Institute of Medicine. “Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century” What to learn more about our Care Experience Platform and how empathetic technology can power personalized, exemplary care experiences? In which type of care should the patient be consulted regarding preferences needs and values for treatment provider centered care?The Institute of Medicine defines patient-centered care as “Providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.” This approach requires a true partnership between individuals and their healthcare ...
How do you assess for patient preferences and values?The Only Way To Find Out What Matters To Patients Is To Ask Them. Systematic collection and inclusion of data on patient preference should be part of patient-centered assessment of value. This can be done via surveys, focus groups, and analysis of behavioral-based preferences.
What are patient care preferences?Patient preferences refer to the individual's evaluation of dimensions of health outcomes and are but one of a large number of preferences that may influence health care choices. These judgments are expressed as statements or actions.
Should patient values and preferences be considered during plan of management?The main reason for incorporating values and preferences in guideline development process is that recommendations aligned with patient values and preferences may be more easily accepted, implemented and adhered to by those intended to benefit from the guidelines.
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