It is no secret that the global aging population is on the rise, leading to a surge in health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050 the global population aged 60 and older will reach 2.1 billion. This concern widely awakes many concerns, and one of them – is how to provide a high-quality healthcare experience for everyone.



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While it may seem that healthcare is already patient-centered, the reality often falls short. In the present healthcare landscape, patients increasingly demand high-quality experiences and active collaboration with families and providers, encapsulated in one word: patient-centered care.



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In this article, we will dive deeper into the meaning and principles of patient-centered care.

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What is Person-Centered Care?

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The term “person-centered” was introduced by psychologist Carl Rogers in the early 1960s in the context of psychotherapy, focusing on empathy and understanding. This approach gained recognition in healthcare in the 1990s with the Chronic Care Model. In 2001, the USA’s Institute of Medicine embraced “patient-centeredness” as a critical aim in healthcare quality.

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Today, person-centered care remains a central concept in healthcare policies and practices in the USA, focusing on the four principles: dignity, compassion, patient respect, and adapting to each person’s unique needs and preferences.

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The Power of Patient-Centric Models

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A patient-centered care model encourages active collaboration and coordination, which generally goes beyond physical well-being, including emotional, social, and financial aspects of a patient’s situation. Sure, clinicians are there to inform, advise, and support, but it is ultimately up to the patient to determine what course of action they will take. Patients need to understand the procedures and treatments they will undergo fully. At the same time, clinicians must make them as knowledgeable and comfortable as possible, especially when treating them for a complicated or painful illness or injury.

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Let’s take a closer look at why person-centered care is essential for patients.

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Person-Centered Care is Important for Patients Because:

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• Improved Quality of Care:
Person-centered care tailors treatment to individual needs, enhancing the quality of healthcare for patients.
• Enhanced Communication:
It fosters communication challenges, such as dementia, learning disabilities, or lack of confidence, ensuring patients feel heard and understood.
• Increased Trust:
Upholding dignity and independence builds trust, making patients more comfortable and confident in your care. Their preferences and concerns are considered.
• Empowerment:
It promotes patient independence, encourages active involvement in decisions, and ultimately leads to better, more suitable care choices while empowering them to self-manage with less assistance.
• Better Health Outcomes:
Person-centered care can lead to better health outcomes and overall well-being for patients in the USA.

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What Changes to Expect with Person-Centered Care?

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• Minimize the number of complaints and improve the admissions procedure within a secure psychiatric facility.
• Plan treatment for individuals with recurring mental health issues, collaborating during stable periods to prepare for their care when decision-making is more challenging.
• Assist individuals with diabetes, COPD, depression, and chronic pain to enhance their self-management skills. This is achieved through structured education, healthcare professional training, and ongoing improvement.
• Assist women in choosing between mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery, and help men with enlarged prostates decide between medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
• Reduce inpatient stays by including peer support workers with personal experience with mental health issues as part of the healthcare team to offer practical, physical, and emotional assistance to mental health service users.

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Conclusion

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While serving diverse families, the Accurate Care team has recognized the crucial importance of person-centered care. Just as everyone has a unique heartbeat, we understand that their needs and rhythms vary. This is why we actively embrace and implement person-centered care principles. Our approach ensures a high-quality healthcare experience by closely communicating with family caregivers, analyzing patient health data, and tailoring our care to each individual’s rhythm. With our experienced nurses, we aim to make in-home stays profound and joyful for our patients.

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