Delivering high-quality healthcare isn’t just about treating conditions; it’s about treating people. Person-centred care shifts the focus from solely managing illnesses to partnering with patients and their families to tailor care to individual needs and preferences.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider or caregiver, it’s essential to know what person-centred care truly means and why it matters. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the person-centred care framework.
What is person-centred care?
Person-centred care is an approach that views patients as equal partners in their healthcare journey, treating them with respect, dignity and individuality.
It moves beyond simply addressing a medical condition, emphasising the importance of understanding what matters to the patient and involving them in the planning and decision-making processes.
This approach recognises that patients are not passive recipients of care; rather, they are active participants who bring valuable insights about their health, desires and life circumstances.
By prioritising personal values and preferences, person-centred care in nursing and aged care aims to create a supportive environment that fosters trust and mutual respect between patients and healthcare providers. Remember that behind the progress notes in disability and aged care are real people.
What is the importance of person-centred care?
Person-centred care plays a vital role in improving healthcare for individuals and the system as a whole. Here are the key reasons why it’s so important:
Patient outcomes
Person-centred care has been shown to significantly improve patient outcomes. When patients feel heard and respected, they are more likely to engage in their care, adhere to treatment plans and make positive lifestyle changes.
This approach also encourages patients to develop the skills and confidence needed to manage their own health, leading to better overall health outcomes.
Quality of care
Quality of care is enhanced when patients are treated as individuals with unique needs. Person-centred care ensures that treatment plans are tailored to each person’s preferences and circumstances, leading to more appropriate and effective care.
By involving patients and their families in care decisions, healthcare providers can better address the full spectrum of patients’ needs, resulting in more coordinated and integrated care experiences.
Healthcare system efficiency
Person-centred care also contributes to greater healthcare system efficiency. By focusing on individualised care, the approach helps reduce unnecessary treatments, hospitalisations and readmissions, which can, in turn, lower healthcare costs.
When patients are actively engaged in their care and have a clear understanding of their treatment, they are less likely to use emergency services, thereby alleviating some of the pressure on the healthcare system.
What are the 4 elements of person-centred care?
The person-centred care framework is built on four key elements:
- Dignity, compassion and respect: This element focuses on treating each person with respect and valuing their individuality, ensuring they feel heard, understood and appreciated.
- Coordinated care: Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals are key to providing seamless and integrated care that meets the patient’s needs.
- Personalised care: Tailoring care and support to each person’s unique needs, preferences and circumstances ensures that the care provided is relevant and meaningful.
- Empowering strengths and independence: Supporting individuals to recognise and build on their strengths and abilities fosters independence and enables them to live fulfilling lives with greater control over their care.
How to provide person-centred care
Marketing your NDIS business or aged care organisation is easy when you genuinely care for your clients, and that’s what person-centred care is all about.
Providing person-centred care involves a series of key practices aimed at putting the individual at the heart of their care.
Here’s how to effectively implement person-centred care in aged care, disability care and nursing contexts:
- Listen actively: Engage with the person and their family to understand their values, preferences and needs.
- Involve in decision-making: Ensure that the person is an active participant in planning their care by providing them with all necessary information and options.
- Coordinate care: Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among different healthcare providers to ensure a unified approach to care.
- Personalise care plans: Tailor care and support strategies to fit the individual’s unique circumstances, preferences and lifestyle.
- Regular review: Continuously assess and adjust the care plan based on the person’s feedback and changing needs.
- Show respect and compassion: Treat the individual with dignity, empathy and respect in all interactions.
- Provide support: Offer practical assistance and emotional support to help the person manage their health and well-being effectively.
What is an example of a person-centred plan?
A person-centred plan is a detailed and tailored approach that captures an individual’s personal needs, goals and preferences.
Here’s an example of what a well-rounded person-centred plan might look like:
- Personal information: Basic details such as the individual’s name, contact information and key contacts for emergencies.
- Medical history: Comprehensive information about existing and past health conditions, treatments and ongoing medications.
- Mental health: Insight into the individual’s mental health status, including any relevant conditions and preferred support mechanisms.
- Social support: Overview of the individual’s support network, including family, friends and community resources, and how these can be leveraged for additional support.
- Environmental risks: Identification of potential risks in the individual’s home or living environment that could affect their safety or health.
- Nutrition requirements: A summary of dietary needs, preferences and any special considerations such as allergies or medical dietary restrictions.
- Interests and activities: The individual’s personal interests, hobbies and activities they enjoy, which should be considered in planning their care.
- Communication preferences: The individual’s preferred methods of communication and any specific needs related to interacting with healthcare providers.
Each section of the plan should include the individual’s goals and the support strategies that will be implemented to make these goals a reality.
What is an example of person-centred care?
An example of person-centred care can be illustrated through the case of Sarah, a 65-year-old woman managing type 2 diabetes.
Here’s a detailed look at how person-centred care is applied in her situation:
1. Initial assessment
Personal consultation: Sarah’s healthcare provider begins with a comprehensive assessment that includes discussions about her medical history, lifestyle, preferences and goals. They spend time understanding her concerns about managing diabetes and her daily routines.
Involvement of family: Recognising the importance of support, Sarah’s family is also included in the discussions to ensure they are informed and can provide necessary assistance.
2. Personalised care plan
Customised goals: Based on the assessment, Sarah and her healthcare team set specific, achievable goals, such as improving blood sugar control and increasing physical activity. These goals are tailored to her personal preferences and lifestyle.
Dietary adjustments: Sarah’s care plan includes working with a dietitian to create a meal plan that aligns with her dietary preferences and health needs, taking into account her likes, dislikes and any food sensitivities.
3. Coordinated care
Integrated team approach: Sarah’s care involves coordination between her primary care physician, a diabetes educator, a dietitian and a pharmacist. Each professional communicates regularly to ensure that all aspects of her care are aligned and that her needs are met comprehensively.
Care management software: The team uses care management software to track Sarah’s progress, share updates and adjust her care plan as needed. This software helps ensure that everyone involved has access to the most current information and can collaborate effectively.
4. Ongoing support and adjustments
Regular check-ins: Sarah has scheduled appointments with her healthcare provider and other team members to monitor her progress. These check-ins are used to review her blood sugar levels, assess her adherence to the care plan and address any new concerns or challenges.
Empowerment and education: Sarah is provided with educational resources about managing diabetes, including how to monitor her blood sugar levels, adjust her medication, and make informed lifestyle choices. This empowers her to take an active role in her health management.
5. Feedback and adaptation
Responsive adjustments: Based on Sarah’s feedback, her care plan is adjusted to better fit her needs. For instance, if she experiences difficulties with certain dietary changes or medication side effects, her care team works together to find solutions that work for her.
Emotional and social support: Sarah receives emotional support through regular conversations with her care team and access to support groups where she can connect with others in similar situations. This holistic support helps address her emotional well-being alongside her physical health.
This example illustrates how person-centred care integrates the individual’s preferences and needs into every aspect of their care, ensuring a holistic, respectful and effective approach to health management. Visit the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website for more examples of person-centred care.
What is the key to person centred care?
The key to person-centred care lies in genuinely valuing each individual’s unique needs, preferences and strengths. By embracing a holistic approach that prioritises dignity, respect and active collaboration, care providers can ensure that their services truly reflect what matters most to the person receiving care.
Person-centred care software plays a crucial role in this process, offering tools that streamline communication, track individual care plans and facilitate coordinated support across multidisciplinary teams.
The benefits of cloud-based software for NDIS businesses and other healthcare organisations are clear: it not only enhances the quality of care but also improves efficiency and outcomes by making it easier to manage complex needs and adjustments in real-time.
To experience the transformative impact of advanced care management, explore MYP’s cloud-based care management software designed to support person-centred care. Request a demo today to see how MYP can help you provide the highest standard of care while simplifying your day-to-day operations.
