Patient-Centered Care

Definition

Patient-centered care is a term that is becoming widely used in medical practice. It is typically described in the context of patient-practitioner communication. In contrast to provider-centered care, which places control and decision-making power almost solely in the hands of the health-care provider, is patient-centered. Patient-centered care promotes active participation on the part of the patient decisions regarding their health and health care. Moreover, patient-centered care requires practitioners to provide care concordant with the patient’s values as well as account for the patient’s desire for information provision and for shared decision-making responsibilities. Patient-centered care has been shown to be associated with increased patient satisfaction and adherence and may also enhance the relationship between the patient and the health-care provider.