Person-centered care is an approach to medical care that focuses on the individual patient, rather than just the medical condition. The healthcare providers work as partners with the patient and their relatives to determine the best courses of action. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare, the staff caters to the individual’s unique needs.
So, what is person-centered care? In short, it simply means recognizing that each and every patient is different. It means that staff members readjust their methods as needed to provide optimal care to each individual. Just because two patients have the same health condition doesn’t mean they should receive the exact same treatments.
Common Signs of Person-Centered Care
These are some of the most common elements of this approach:
- Decisions are influenced and made by the patients and their family members
- The patient’s unique preferences and values are considered when making decisions
- The patient’s care plan is regularly evaluated and readjusted as needed
- In some cases, one nurse is responsible for the majority of care, giving the patient and family members a central point of contact
- The central contact manages scheduling and appointments
- Family members are kept apprised of any changes
- The patient feels comfortable and confident discussing aspects of the care that need to be changed
Benefits Associated with Person-Centered Care
It’s abundantly clear that personalized care yields better results, including lower readmission rates, shorter lengths of stay, and higher patient experience scores. Patients flourish when their program of care is customized to their individual needs and when they are given greater agency in their own treatment. At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, we firmly believe that each patient deserves a personalized treatment plan that keeps their preferences and dignity fully intact.
Our Partnership with Planetree
In order to provide the best possible care for our patients, in 2019, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center became 2 out of 12 hospitals selected to participate in a 24-month program to continue improving our person-centered care approach. The program gives us the opportunity to work with Planetree, an international non-profit that’s known as experts in personalized care.
Contact Us to Learn More
What is person-centered care? We believe it’s the best way to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care, specific to their unique needs. If you have any questions, please call 718-670-5000. See the difference with our personalized approach to medical care.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.