Person-Centered Care Sounds Great, But What is It, Really?

• What does person-centered care mean for me as a health care consumer?

• How do health care providers benefit from a person-centered model?

• How are person-centered and value-based care related?

Person-centered care is an integrated approach where the individual and their values and preferences are a crucial part of health care delivery. The patient, their family/caregivers, and providers are empowered to develop effective plans of care together through open communication. Some features of person-centered care are:

• Physical, mental, social, and emotional needs are addressed

• Preventive care is prioritized

• Care is coordinated across providers and health care settings

• Complex and chronic conditions are managed collaboratively

• The patient-provider relationship is based on trust and the shared goal of long-term wellness

• Patient-reported outcomes are the measure of success

Providers can comprehensively manage care in a person-centered system by accessing health data and collaborating with other specialties and across settings. This differs from the often-siloed fee-for-service model where multiple health issues may be managed by various providers in different settings, sometimes with duplicative or conflicting treatment. With all team members contributing, the care plan is more likely to address all the factors necessary to achieve the patient’s long-term wellness goals.

Value-based care is the added layer that measures quality of care, provider performance, and ultimately, the patient experience. Quantifying these metrics helps assess the effectiveness of the individual care plan and the systems that support the person-centered care model.

The benefits of person-centered care may include:

• More cost-effective health care- due to fewer duplicative or unnecessary treatments, decreased lengths of stay in hospitals or other facilities, and increased focus on preventive care

• Improved health outcomes- because engaged patients tend to develop a sense of control and seem to be more likely to follow their personalized care plans

• Increased patient satisfaction- as a member of their own health care team, patients feel heard and respected

What are your thoughts on person-centered care? Where does it work and where does it break down?