As healthcare providers’ roles evolve, so does the way in which they deliver care. Care delivery is moving away from a “disease-centered model” and toward a “patient-centered model.” In the disease-centered model, physicians make most treatment decisions based largely on clinical experience and data from various medical tests.
In the contemporary patient-centered model, patients are more active participants in their own care and receive services designed to focus on their individual needs and preferences. In addition, patients receive advice and counsel from health professionals who are more mindful, informed and empathetic to the patient’s needs. The patient-centered model is designed to improve the quality of personal, professional and organizational relationships.
Planetree, a national not-for-profit dedicated to improving patient-centered care, developed the Patient-Centered Care Improvement Guide, which outlines specific practices needed in order for patient-centered care to work. Their practical approaches for building a patient-centered culture include:
Effective communication with the patient (and families)
Internet Research: List three advantages and three disadvantages to patient-centered care.
Continuity of Care: Systems and tools to assist patients and their loved ones in anticipating what to expect for the duration of time that they are in our care, to address their anxiety and questions, and to help them plan for their needs once they leave.
(“Practical Approaches for Building a Patient-Centered Culture.” Patient-Centered Care Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Aug. 2014.)
Environment of Care: Includes the physical surroundings and aesthetics. It encompasses the totality of the atmosphere of the organization—the sights, sounds, and smells, but also the attitudes and accommodations made around patient privacy, dignity, comfort and peace of mind.
(“Practical Approaches for Building a Patient-Centered Culture.” Patient-Centered Care Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Aug. 2014.)
Spirituality: Our own internal ability to find meaning and connectedness in life, not limited to religious traditions.
(“Practical Approaches for Building a Patient-Centered Culture.” Patient-Centered Care Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Aug. 2014.)
Integrative medicine: Empowering the patient with the knowledge, support and resources—including complementary and alternative medicine—they need to make informed decisions and manage their health and wellness.
(“Practical Approaches for Building a Patient-Centered Culture.” Patient-Centered Care Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Aug. 2014.)
Care of the community: Adopting a broader charge beyond caring for the sick and injured, focusing concurrently on promoting wellness prevention and safety—not only for patients, but for staff and the community-at-large.
(“Practical Approaches for Building a Patient-Centered Culture.) Patient-Centered Care Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Aug. 2014.)
Care of the caregiver: Acknowledging and being responsive to the experience of staff and the multi-faceted demands placed on them every day.
(“Practical Approaches for Building a Patient-Centered Culture. Patient-Centered Care Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Aug. 2014.)