What does "patient-centered care" focus on?

"Patient-centered care" emphasizes the importance of considering and respecting the unique preferences, needs, and values of each patient. This approach encourages healthcare providers to involve patients in their own care decisions, fostering a partnership between patients and providers. It recognizes that patients are not merely recipients of treatment but vital participants in their healthcare journey.

By focusing on what matters most to patients—such as their personal health goals and individual circumstances—patient-centered care aims to improve satisfaction, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes. It contrasts sharply with other approaches that may prioritize the preferences of physicians, financial considerations, or a one-size-fits-all model of treatment, all of which ignore the critical role that patient engagement plays in effective healthcare.