The 8 Principles of Patient-Centred Care
The 8 Principles of Patient-Centred Care
Patient-centred care is a healthcare approach that prioritises individuals' unique needs, values, and preferences, ensuring they play an active role in their medical journey. This model fosters meaningful collaboration between patients, their families, and healthcare providers, improving treatment outcomes and overall satisfaction.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) emphasises the importance of treating patients with dignity and respect rather than merely addressing their medical conditions. In New Zealand, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) notes that patient-centred care involves improving quality and safety and engaging patients as partners.
When patients feel heard and valued, they are more likely to engage actively in their treatment, leading to improved health outcomes. That’s what patient-centred care is all about, and here are its eight key principles:
In this blog:
1. Respect for Individual Values and Preferences
Recognising and respecting each patient's cultural background, values, and personal choices is fundamental. Healthcare providers should actively involve patients in decision-making to ensure treatment plans align with their unique needs and lifestyles. This approach fosters autonomy and builds trust between patients and medical professionals.
Carers and providers must understand each patient's perspective, which is key to offering clinically effective and meaningful care.
Respecting patient values also means acknowledging their fears, concerns, and expectations. Healthcare professionals should be trained to engage in open, empathetic conversations that help patients feel in control of their healthcare journey. Providing flexible treatment plans and options further supports a personalised approach.
Related reading: Having the Hard Conversation: A Guide to Discussing Connected Care Solutions with Your Loved One
2. Seamless Coordination of Care
Navigating healthcare services can be complex, particularly when dealing with multiple specialists and departments. Effective coordination streamlines all aspects of a patient’s care, reducing stress and confusion. Integrated healthcare facilitates continuity to ensure each stage of treatment is well-organised and efficient. A well-coordinated care system:
Eliminates gaps in treatment
Prevents medical errors and delays
Reduces unnecessary hospital readmissions
Technology is crucial in achieving this, with digital health records enabling seamless communication between healthcare providers. Patients benefit when their medical history, treatment plans, and medication records are easily accessible to all relevant professionals. Mobile care can also ensure faster responses whenever patients need help.
3. Clear Communication and Patient Education
Transparent communication is vital in helping patients understand their health conditions and treatment options. Providing accurate, accessible, and jargon-free information enables individuals to make informed decisions about their care. Healthcare providers should focus on active listening and clear explanations to ensure patients feel heard and understood.
Effective communication also involves visual aids, written instructions, and digital resources that cater to different learning styles. Ensuring patients have access to reliable healthcare information empowers them to take proactive steps in managing their conditions. Also, clear communication between providers and caregivers supports better decision-making and treatment adherence.
Related reading: How to Improve Communication with Those in Care
4. Ensuring Physical Comfort
A patient’s physical comfort is crucial to their overall well-being and recovery. Prioritising comfort demonstrates attentiveness to patients' needs and enhances their healing process. During hospital stays, providers must offer:
Effective pain management
Assistance with daily activities
Supportive environment
Healthcare facilities should prioritise designing spaces that enhance patient comfort, including ergonomic hospital beds, soothing environments, and easy access to amenities. Adequate pain management strategies should also be tailored to individual patient needs, integrating both medical and holistic approaches where appropriate.
5. Providing Emotional Support
Healthcare experiences can trigger anxiety, fear, and stress. A patient-centred approach acknowledges these emotions and ensures individuals receive the emotional support they need. Empathetic care, reassurance, and access to mental health resources can help patients and their families cope more effectively throughout their medical journey.
Mental health support should be an integral part of all healthcare settings. Patients facing chronic conditions or serious diagnoses benefit significantly from counselling, peer support groups, and therapeutic interventions. Carers should be trained in recognising emotional distress and offering appropriate interventions, ensuring patients receive quality care for their physical and mental well-being.
Related reading: Navigating the Emotional Challenges of Long-Distance Caregiving
6. Involving Family and Friends
Support from loved ones can play a significant role in a patient’s recovery and overall well-being. Encouraging the involvement of family and friends, when the patient wishes, can provide emotional and practical support. Healthcare providers should facilitate this involvement while respecting the patient’s preferences and confidentiality.
Healthcare policies should be designed to allow family members to participate in care decisions, whether by:
Attending appointments
Helping with medication management
Providing emotional support
Educating carers on the patient’s condition and treatment options further strengthens the support system, making recovery smoother and effective.
7. Ensuring Continuity and Smooth Transitions
Transitions between healthcare settings—such as from hospital to home—should be well-managed to avoid disruptions in care. Clear discharge instructions, follow-up plans, and coordinated post-treatment support help patients maintain their health and reduce the risk of complications. Ensuring continuity of care enhances long-term health outcomes.
To support continuity, hospitals and clinics should implement patient navigation programs that assign care coordinators to follow up with patients after discharge. Digital tools such as telehealth appointments and mobile health applications can also bridge gaps, providing ongoing access to medical advice and resources even after a hospital stay.
Related reading: The Challenge of Care Continuity for Home Care Providers
8. Seamless Access to Care
Timely and convenient access to healthcare is a fundamental aspect of patient-centred care. Reducing barriers such as long waiting times, limited appointment availability, or geographical constraints ensures that patients receive the care they need when they need it.
Improving access helps prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment, leading to better health management. Other critical steps include:
Expanding telemedicine services
Improving transportation options
Streamlining appointment scheduling systems
Governments and providers should work towards policies that ensure equitable access to medical services, particularly for underserved populations and rural communities.
Delivering Patient-Centred Care with Tunstall Healthcare
Implementing these principles requires a collective effort from healthcare organisations, providers, carers, and policymakers. Prioritising patient needs and fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and collaboration enables healthcare systems to enhance the quality of care and build lasting trust within communities.
At Tunstall Healthcare, we support these efforts through Connected Care technology and services. Our innovative products ensure patient-centred care through effective monitoring and detection. For instance, providers and carers can encourage patients to use personal alarms or fall detectors to ensure faster response to emergencies.
Contact us today to learn how Tunstall products can support quality and meaningful care.
Further reading:5 Home Care Tips For Looking After Your Loved Ones
