Person-centered Approach

Introduction

The person-centred approach in health and social care prioritises an individual’s beliefs, needs, and preferences.
The care or support provided stems from understanding the personal perspective of the individual in need.

Respect for the Individual’s Values and Dignity: All individuals have innate worth and uniqueness that needs to be respected by care providers.
Holistic View: A comprehensive understanding of the individual’s emotional, physical, social and psychological needs is crucial.
Individual’s Autonomy: Ensuring that individuals retain control over their lives, to the degree they are able, is an essential part of person-centred care.

Active Listening: Caregivers interact with individuals with attention and responsive interest, encouraging individuals to share their experiences, concerns, and desires.
Empathy: Care professionals aim to genuinely understand and share the feelings of an individual.
Openness and Honesty: Being candid and transparent with individuals and maintaining consistent communication is crucial.

Enhanced Satisfaction: By placing the individual at the centre of care, their contentment with the health and social care services received is generally improved.
Increased Quality of Care: Person-centred approach improves quality of care as it ensures specific needs, preferences of individuals are met.
Better Health Outcomes: With the individual’s increased involvement in their own care or support, health outcomes, including both mental and physical health, can be improved.

Time Constraints: Personalised care takes more time and effort as compared to standardised care.
High Collaboration Levels: Sustained collaboration is required from different segments of the health and social care system to make this approach effective.
Training: Health and social care providers need to be sufficiently trained in the person-centred approach to implement it effectively.