Person-centred care is a holistic approach to health and social services that puts the individual at the center of their own care planning. Instead of being passive recipients, individuals are viewed as equal partners, whose unique values, beliefs, and goals are acknowledged and respected. This model contrasts sharply with traditional, paternalistic healthcare, where decisions are often made for the patient rather than with them. The bedrock of person-centred care rests on a set of core values that guide every interaction and decision. While specific lists can vary slightly, common examples include dignity, respect, and self-determination.
The fundamental core values of person-centred care
Several frameworks and organizations have outlined the core values that define person-centred care. The Health Foundation, for example, emphasizes four key principles: personalized, coordinated, enabling, and treating people with dignity, compassion, and respect. Skills for Care highlights a set of eight values, including individuality, choice, dignity, and partnership. A common thread through these different interpretations is the central idea of upholding the individual's worth and autonomy.
Dignity
Dignity is one of the most consistently cited core values. It refers to the inherent worth and honor of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. In practice, promoting dignity means:
- Treating a person with kindness and respect in all communications.
- Protecting an individual's privacy, especially during personal care or when accessing private information.
- Not making assumptions about how someone wants to be treated and considering their ethical and moral beliefs.
Respect
Respect goes hand-in-hand with dignity. It involves acknowledging and valuing the rights, feelings, and opinions of others. A culture of respect ensures that individuals feel heard and understood, which is vital for building trust between the person and their caregivers. Key aspects include listening effectively to verbal and non-verbal cues and avoiding judgment. Respect also means valuing an individual's perspective and life experience.
Self-determination and choice
These values are about empowering individuals to have control over their own lives and make their own decisions regarding their care and support. This moves beyond simply being informed and involves being an active participant in decision-making. Self-determination means the individual is in the driver's seat, and care is delivered according to their personal preferences, not the convenience of the service provider. This can include seemingly small decisions, like what time to wake up, or larger ones, like which treatment options to pursue.
Purposeful living
This value emphasizes supporting individuals in pursuing a meaningful and fulfilling life. It encourages caregivers to look beyond the immediate health issues and consider what truly matters to the person. This can involve helping them engage in activities, maintain social relationships, or work towards personal goals. For those at the end of life, purposeful living means ensuring care aligns with what brings them comfort and meaning in their final stages.
The difference between person-centred and traditional care
| Feature | Person-Centred Care | Traditional Care |
|---|---|---|
| Role of the Individual | Active partner, empowered to make decisions. | Passive recipient of services. |
| Focus of Care | Holistic view considering personal values, beliefs, and goals. | Primarily focuses on the disease or condition. |
| Decision-Making | Shared decision-making between the individual and care team. | Often paternalistic, with clinicians making final decisions. |
| Treatment Plan | Personalized and flexible to meet changing needs. | Standardized, one-size-fits-all approach. |
| Communication | Emphasizes effective, two-way communication and listening. | Often directive and informational, with less patient input. |
| Outcome Measures | Includes patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction. | Focuses more on clinical metrics and treatment success. |
Practicing person-centred care
Implementing person-centred care is not just a policy but a daily practice that requires a culture shift within an organization. It involves continuous active listening, adapting care plans, and valuing feedback from individuals and their families. For providers, this means moving beyond routine tasks and building a trusting relationship with the person in their care. Effective strategies include:
- Comprehensive Information: Ensuring individuals receive information about their condition and treatment options in an accessible, easy-to-understand manner.
- Care Coordination: Creating coordinated and integrated care plans to reduce fragmentation and confusion, especially for those with complex needs.
- Emotional Support: Recognizing the emotional impact of illness and providing resources to help alleviate fear and anxiety.
- Family Involvement: Acknowledging the important role of family and friends and involving them in the care process as appropriate.
Conclusion In answering which of the following is a core value of person-centred care, a range of interconnected principles emerge, but dignity, respect, and self-determination are consistently highlighted as foundational. Person-centred care is a humanizing approach that moves beyond treating a diagnosis to supporting the whole person. By upholding these core values, healthcare professionals can empower individuals, build trust, and ultimately foster a more effective and compassionate care system. The long-term benefits include improved patient satisfaction, better health outcomes, and a more fulfilling experience for both the person receiving care and their caregivers. It is a model of care that honors the unique story and potential of every individual.
What are the ethical principles of person-centered care?
Respect, dignity, and autonomy are the cornerstone ethical principles. These are supported by honesty in communication and a commitment to the individual's well-being and their right to make their own choices.
What is the most important aspect of person-centered care?
Empowerment of the individual is the most important aspect. This involves giving them control over their care decisions, supporting their independence, and recognizing their strengths and abilities.
What are the 6 Cs of person-centered care?
The "6 Cs" framework for person-centered care includes Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. These characteristics guide caregivers in providing a high standard of humane and effective support.
What are the 4 main principles of person-centered care according to The Health Foundation?
According to The Health Foundation, the four principles are dignity, compassion, and respect; coordinated care; personalized care; and enabling people to recognize and develop their own strengths.
What is the difference between person-centered and client-centered care?
While often used interchangeably, "person-centred care" is the more comprehensive term, focusing on the individual in all aspects of their life. "Client-centered care," which originated from psychology, refers more specifically to the therapeutic relationship between a therapist and their client.
How does person-centred care improve health outcomes?
It improves outcomes by increasing patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. When care is tailored to an individual's specific needs and preferences, they are more motivated to participate, leading to better recovery and long-term wellness.
How can care providers ensure they are delivering person-centred care?
Care providers can ensure they deliver person-centred care by actively listening, building trusting relationships, coordinating care effectively with other services, and regularly reviewing care plans to reflect the individual's changing needs and preferences.
