The Application of Person-Centered Care

The Application of Person-Centred Care

Understanding Person-Centred Care

Refers to care that involves actively involving patients in their own treatment and respect their individual values and choices.
Originated from the humanistic approach, popularised by Carl Rogers, focusing on individual autonomy and empathy.

Key Principles of Person-Centred Care

Treats the patients as unique individuals and not merely as a set of symptoms.
Encourages open communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Empowers patients to be active participants in their care, enhancing their sense of autonomy.

Benefits of Person-Centred Care

Can improve patients’ satisfaction with the quality of their care.
Has potential to reduce healthcare usage, as care is tailored to suit personal needs, making it more effective.
Can lead to better health outcomes, as engagement in their own treatment can often result in improved health behaviours.

Challenges of Person-Centred Care

Requires healthcare professionals to shift their traditional roles and focus more on coaching and facilitating.
Implementation can be complex due to diversity of patients’ preferences, values and needs.
There is a lack of clear guidelines on how to implement patient-centred care in different healthcare settings.

Application in Health and Social Care Settings

Person-centred care can be applied in long-term care, focusing on improving the day-to-day life of individuals with chronic illness.
Can be instrumental in mental health care where the key focus is on empowering individuals and focusing on recovery rather than symptom control.

Remember, person-centred care is a crucial component of modern healthcare and is essential in providing respectful and responsive services that meet patients’ needs. Understanding its principles and challenges will help you to fully understand its role within health and social care.