What does the term "patient-centered care" mean?

The term "patient-centered care" refers to an approach that emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the unique preferences, needs, and values of each patient. This model of care prioritizes engaging patients in their treatment decisions, ensuring that they are informed, and supporting them in ways that align with their personal circumstances and desires.

When care is patient-centered, healthcare professionals are attentive to each patient's specific situation, which contributes to better outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. It fosters a collaborative relationship between providers and patients, where communication is key, and care plans are tailored to the individual rather than adhering strictly to general guidelines or institutional policies. This holistic approach ultimately recognizes patients as active participants in their healthcare journey rather than passive recipients of care.

In contrast, other options reflect methods of care that are less individualized and can overlook the importance of personal patient engagement and responsiveness. For instance, care that strictly adheres to institutional policies may neglect the nuances of patient experiences. Similarly, averaging treatment across patients fails to consider the variations and specific needs of each individual, while care driven solely by providers' preferences can lead to a disconnect from what patients actually want and need.