Question

Chamberlain Care emphasizes person-centered communication. Provide an example of using person-centered care in communicating to another who disagrees with you.

Answer 1

Patient-centered care has emerged as a primary approach to health care. This approach emphasises partnerships in health between patients and healthcare professionals, acknowledges patients’ preferences and values, promotes flexibility in the provision of health care and seeks to move beyond the traditional paternalistic approach to health care. Thus, in addition to the physical aspects of health care, this approach acknowledges a patient's beliefs and values towards well being. One advantage of the the approach is its focus on enhanced patient satisfaction; however, recently, concerns have been raised as to the effects of it on the evidence-based care approach, as the two approaches are viewed as mutually exclusive rather than complementary.

Example of Person-Centered Care

Daniel is a 30 year old inpatient who was recently in a car accident. He had to undergo surgery for both his arms that suffered severe injuries during the crash. He needs to remain in hospital for two more weeks before discharge, which means he will rely on others for a significant amount of his daily care.

Daniel and his nurse discuss options for fulfilling wants and needs, such as bathing and passing the time. Daniel would rather not spend two weeks watching TV in bed. He says that he enjoys reading and spending time with his girlfriend, who visits every evening.

After this discussion, they reach a care plan together. For bathing, the hospital normally helps patients shower in the morning. However, they agree to let his girlfriend assist him in the evening with his personal hygiene routine. Daniel’s girlfriend also lends him her E-reader, which has audio books on it. This is a suitable alternative to books, given his physical condition. The nurse agrees to help him set it up and put on headphones when he would like to listen to it.

The nurse adopted an effective approach to person-centered care in this example. She talked through options with Daniel and sought his input, allowed flexibility to accommodate his wants and needs, and agreed to help meet these needs in the hospital on a daily basis. As a result, Daniel’s time in care will feel much less strenuous – he’ll feel cared for, both physically and emotionally.