What does 'patient-centered care' focus on?

Patient-centered care emphasizes the importance of understanding and integrating individual patient preferences, needs, and values into the healthcare process. This approach prioritizes the patient’s perspective, ensuring that care is tailored to the unique circumstances and desires of each patient. In patient-centered care, healthcare providers actively engage with patients, encouraging communication, collaboration, and shared decision-making.

By focusing on the preferences and values of patients, this model enhances the overall healthcare experience and contributes to better health outcomes. Patients are seen as partners in their care rather than just recipients of treatment, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. This approach can lead to increased patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans, as patients feel more involved and empowered in their healthcare journey.

In contrast to this, other options such as maximizing hospital profits or standardizing care protocols do not prioritize individual patient experiences and can potentially overlook the unique needs of diverse patient populations. Additionally, simply encouraging patients to follow treatments without questioning does not align with the principles of patient-centered care, which promotes understanding and active participation in one's healthcare.