Patient-Centered Care

A renewed importance on patient-centered care will influence the development and implementation of evidence-based practices.

• The Institute of Medicine report (2001) articulated that patient-centered care is a core characteristic of effective service delivery.
• Patient preference is an element of control exerted by people as they make health care decisions.
• In health care encounters, patients should expect that:
  • Care will be individualized.
  • Care will be provided in various forms (face to face, telephone, Internet).
  • The patient will be in control.
  • The patient will have access to his/her medical records.
  • Evidence-based care will be provided.
  • Patients will be safe in the health care system.
  • Care will be proactive.
  • Care will be coordinated.