Patient Centred Healthcare
What is patient-centred care?
"People-centred health services is an approach to care that consciously adopts the perspectives of individuals, families and communities, and sees them as participants as well as beneficiaries of trusted health systems that respond to their needs and preferences in humane and holistic ways. People-centred care requires that people have the education and support they need to make decisions and participate in their own care. It is organized around the health needs and expectations of people rather than diseases."
Source: WHO, 2015
In the British Columbia Patient-Centered Care Framework:
"Patient-centered care puts patients at the forefront of their health and care, ensures they retain control over their own choices, helps them make informed decisions and supports a partnership between individuals, families, and health care services providers. Patient-centered care incorporates the following key components:
- self-management;
- shared and informed decision-making;
- an enhanced experience of health care;
- improved information and understanding; and,
- the advancement of prevention and health promotion activities."
The patient is an active participant in their healthcare and is given the tools, information, and opportunity to make informed decisions that affect their health.