Explanation:
Traditional risk assessments lack any sense of vision about how things could be different or better for the person. In the person centred approach it is central that a vision of what success could look like is put together, beginning with the person's perspective, then adding in others.
1. Treat people with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Patients often lose their independence when they enter care, which puts their dignity at risk. Person-centred care enables you to maintain that dignity by respecting their wishes and treating them with compassion and empathy.
To fulfil this principle, you must always keep in mind that patients have their own thoughts, feelings, opinions, beliefs, and values, and these don’t suddenly become invalidated by their care needs. Respecting their personal qualities helps the patient feel validated and cared for much more wholly: both physically and emotionally
2. Provide coordinated care, support, and treatment.
To deliver consistent person-centred care, you have to coordinate with other health and social care workers and services. Otherwise, when patients move between services or carers, you have to rebuild an understanding of their personal wants and needs. In the meantime, the patient would not receive the level of care they need.
Record patients’ personal needs in their care plan and share it with other caregivers and services where necessary. Furthermore, all carers should communicate with one another to build a shared understanding of how to deliver person-centred care to their patients. Remember to keep confidentiality in mind at all times.
3. Offer personalised care, support, and treatment.
This principle is the heart of person-centred care. It requires you to understand that what works for one service user may not be suitable for another. A standardised approach can affect their ability to recover or manage their condition properly, and – depending on their personal circumstances and values – may damage their quality of life.
Personalising your service to each patient allows them to retain some of their independence and fulfil their personal wants and needs.
4. Enable service users to recognise and develop their strengths and abilities, so they can live an independent and fulfilling life.
Providing person-centred care requires involving patients in decisions and helping them take actions to support themselves. Doing so helps them to develop their own capabilities and an understanding of how to look after themselves independently.
Fulfilling this principle is mutually beneficial. The patient will feel in greater control of their life and less reliant on healthcare services. In turn, you’ll have more time to look after patients with more significant dependencies.
Keep in mind that this is a fine balance. Trying to force patients to do more on their own can make them feel like you don’t want to help, while too much involvement makes them feel like they have no say. All it takes to avoid this is maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the patient and their representatives.
Person-centred care is important for patients because:
They will feel more comfortable and confident in your service, as upholding their dignity and independence builds mutual respect. The patient will trust you to do what’s best for them, which makes the situation easier for you both.
You will meet their emotional, social, and practical needs, which ensures they maintain a high quality of life.
You can support those who may not be able to directly communicate their wants and needs. Numerous conditions or disabilities can affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively. For example, dementia, learning disabilities, or those who simply don’t have the confidence to do so. Person-centred care helps you find suitable ways to help them communicate and maximise their quality of care.
It improves their independence. Not only is this beneficial on a personal level for the patient, but it also encourages them to take part in decisions. It raises their engagement, which helps you reach better, more suitable decisions relating to their care. Furthermore, it gives them the confidence and ability to look after themselves with less input from you.
