The patient-centered care model has played a critical role in revolutionizing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes by placing the patient at the center of each decision in the delivery of care. Through the patient-centered approach, each patients’ individual preferences, values, cultural background, and needs are integrated into the model and exemplified through the care process.
Through meticulously crafted curriculum and a faculty dedicated to advancing the patient-centered care model, the University of Providence’s School of Health Professions health and nursing programs maintain a strong commitment educating current and future healthcare professionals in delivering quality, ethical, and compassionate care that places the patient at the center.
Courtney Moline, Clinical Site Coordinator and Clinical Professor of Nursing at the University of Providence School of Health Professions, has held multiple clinical and educational nursing positions during her tenure in the field and is familiar with the patient-centered care model as applied in nursing practice. From positions in acute care management and medical department management, her experiences in working with and caring for patients has informed and driven her expertise in patient-centered care, of which she now educates aspiring nursing professionals.
What is Patient-Centered Care?
The patient-centered care model is a care delivery approach within healthcare that places each individual patient at the center of the care team’s decision-making process. At the core of the patient-centered care model is the focus on the considerations for and respect of each patients’ individuals care preferences, values, cultural background, and needs.
In order for the patient-centered care model to be successful, it must permeate and be practiced by each member of the care delivery team. Collaboration and communication between providers, patients, and families is a must in the patient-centered care model.
Differences in the Patient-Centered Model
When considering the impacts and applications of the patient-centered model, it is important to compare it to three commonly cited models, each differing in their approach to care:
- Disease-Centered Model: The disease model of care focuses primarily on addressing the illness or injury without input or considerations from the patient in the care process
- Provider-Centered Model: The provider model places a strong emphasis on
- Holistic Model: Emphasizes various aspects and elements of the patient and their presenting problems, such as the physical, emotional and spiritual considerations when providing care.
While there are some commonalities between each model and the patient-centered model, the start differences can be seen in how the patient model places a greater emphasis on the patient’s activity and involvement in their care decisions with the provider teams. Through this autonomy and involvement in their own health decisions, there is a visible windfall in the benefits and outcomes.
How is Patient-Centered Care Applied?
When applied correctly, patient-centered care ensures that care delivery, whether for a simple cut or scrape to intensive care patients aligned with the patient’s overall healthcare goals.
- Individualized Care Plans: Nurses develop care plans fitted to each patient’s individual needs – including their treatment preferences, care plans, culture and values.
- Active Patient Participation: Nurses encourage patients to take part in their treatment decisions by discussing all treatment options and providing education on conditions and treatments.
- Holistic Care: Nurses consider not only the physical health of patients but also the emotional, social, and spiritual health and needs of patients under care.
- Open Communication: Nurses provide clear, honest information and take the time to answer patient questions to reduce anxiety and enhance understanding.
- Family Involvement: Involving family members in care decisions, especially for pediatric or elderly patients, ensures alignment with the patient’s goals.
Why is Patient-Centered Care Important?
One of the primary reasons the patient-centered care is so successful is due to its impacts on not only the patient, but the healthcare teams and systems who abide by it. Some examples include:
- Improved Health Outcomes: The model better engages patients and providers in the patients care, which enhances application and adherence to treatment plans and health goals
- Increased Patient Satisfaction: Patient care that aligns with the cultural, ethical and values-based considerations of patients increases patient willingness to engage in their care which helps improve satisfaction in both their care teams, treatments, and outcomes.
- Reduction in Healthcare Costs: Through the model, healthcare costs can be reduced due to the prevention of unnecessary treatments and continued admissions for untreated issues.
- Positive Work Environment: By fostering patient cooperation and better addressing and targeting patient problems, nurses and other health team members can experience reduced burnout and report a higher level of satisfaction with their delivery of care and their overall position.
Patient-Centered Care at the University of Providence
Many programs in the University of Providence School of Health Professions emphasize a patient-centered care model, whether it be through clinical or administrative practice. No matter what level of education aspiring healthcare providers are obtaining – patient-centered care is an integral and critical part of the healthcare education journey – specifically for those in nursing:
“At the UP, patient-centered care is taught through a combination of simulations, case studies, and hands-on clinical rotations that allow students to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure consistent care. Students also develop cultural competency, learning how to respect diverse backgrounds and tailor care to individual needs. Courses in ethics and patient advocacy highlight the importance of prioritizing the patient’s voice in decision-making. This approach equips future nurses with the skills needed to deliver compassionate, personalized care that aligns with the values and preferences of their patients.” – Courtney Moline, Clinical Site Coordinator and Clinical Professor of Nursing
**INFORMATION FOR THIS ARTICLE WAS SOURCED FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH THE COURTNEY MOLINE, CLINICAL SITE COORDINATOR AND CLINICAL PROFESSOR OF NURSING AT UP**
