Choose Patient-Centered Care
Gone are the days when your doctor (healthcare provider) would just provide a diagnosis or treatment plan and the patient complied. Our healthcare model is evolving. As a profession, we have realized that this old school thinking does not always have the best health outcomes. From misunderstood medical jargon to treatments that the patient may not understand or agree with… this often leads to communication breakdown resulting in non-compliance or harmful consequences.
A better approach to improved health and wellness outcomes is to follow a patient-centered care model. This innovative healthcare approach provides collaboration and shared decision-making between the patient, families and providers. Essentially, you the patient become an important member and the center of your health and wellness team.
So what exactly does this mean…?
What patients want is transparency and to be heard. They want to build a personal relationship with their doctor, have open communication and to be a part of the medical decision-making process. After all, only you are truly aware of how you feel. This requires you, the patient, to be an active participant. To openly discuss what is going on, to listen to your options and discuss your questions and concerns. Then you must follow-through with the agreed upon plan. If this isn’t what you are used to, this approach can be confusing as it places emphasis on the patient not being afraid to advocate for themselves while trusting their provider to do the same.
Why is this important..?
Shared decision-making contributes to customizable care that incorporates individual preferences, cultural beliefs, and agreed upon treatments or therapies. It creates TRUST. It allows space to openly discuss fears, concerns, and treatment options. Additionally, it allows access to healthcare portals, provider notes, lab results and care plans for both education and awareness. Without these elements, there cannot be full patient compliance or satisfaction. When we provide patient-centered care, patients become more engaged, compliant to treatment plans thus increasing patient satisfaction. In return, providers gain a greater sense of job satisfaction, and this is important to maintaining higher quality care. It is a win-win!
As your concierge nurse, I am your personal resource helping you bridge this gap. My experience in traditional care has helped me create care packages and consultations based around each client’s specific needs. I am passionate about patient advocacy; teaching and helping both patients and families become active members in their healthcare and wellness.
