How can you provide patient-centered care instead of task-oriented care?

1 What is patient-centered care?

Patient-centered care is an approach that recognizes and respects the individual preferences, values, and needs of each patient. It involves engaging patients and their families in shared decision-making, providing information and education, and coordinating care across settings and disciplines. Patient-centered care is not only beneficial for patients, but also for nurses, as it can improve satisfaction, communication, and collaboration.

2 How to assess patient needs and preferences?

Assessing the needs and preferences of each patient is a crucial step in providing patient-centered care. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and observing non-verbal cues. Additionally, you can use tools such as patient surveys, questionnaires, or care plans to gather information. When considering the patient's needs, you should take into account their goals, expectations, and concerns; physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs; cultural, religious, and ethical beliefs; learning style, literacy level, and language preferences; as well as their family and social support network.

3 How to involve patients and families in decision-making?

Another key aspect of patient-centered care is to involve patients and their families in decision-making. This means that you should respect the patient's autonomy and right to choose, and provide them with evidence-based information and options. You should also encourage them to ask questions, express their opinions, and share their values. You should also acknowledge and address any barriers or challenges that may affect their participation, such as fear, anxiety, or lack of trust.

4 How to provide information and education?

A third component of patient-centered care is to provide information and education to patients and their families. This can help them understand their condition, treatment, and prognosis, and empower them to manage their own health. You should tailor the information and education to the patient's needs and preferences, and use clear, simple, and respectful language. You should also use different methods and formats, such as verbal, written, visual, or digital, and check for understanding and feedback.

5 How to coordinate care across settings and disciplines?

A fourth element of patient-centered care is to coordinate care across settings and disciplines. This means that you should communicate effectively and collaborate with other health care professionals, such as doctors, pharmacists, social workers, or therapists. You should also ensure continuity and consistency of care, and avoid duplication or gaps in services. You should also involve the patient and their family in the transition process, and provide them with relevant information and resources.

6 How to evaluate and improve patient-centered care?

The last step to provide patient-centered care is to evaluate and improve your practice. You can do this by collecting and analyzing data on patient outcomes, satisfaction, and feedback. You can also use quality improvement methods, such as audits, benchmarks, or standards, to identify and address areas of improvement. You should also reflect on your own attitudes, behaviors, and skills, and seek feedback and learning opportunities from your peers, mentors, or supervisors.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?