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# 2.3 Patient-centred care

Figure 1 Patient-centred care transcends the patient’s age.

One of the most consistent dimensions featured in definitions of healthcare improvement is patient-centred care (this phrase is most typically used in the US literature). This takes into account the preferences and desires of patients and acknowledges and respects their cultural background. Person-centred care is a related term (commonly used in the UK) but generally refers to the whole person (going beyond the narrow focus on their symptoms and treatment) and advocates a holistic approach to care which requires acknowledgement of wider social, psychological, societal and cultural factors that may affect the individual and their healthcare journey.

## Activity 5

Watch this video about person-centred care.

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Person-centred care
Transcript

- What are the main elements of person-centred care?
- What are the benefits – for patients and staff?

### Discussion

According to the video, person-centred care is coordinated, tailored to the needs of the individual, underpinned by dignity, compassion and respect, and enables the individual to lead a fulfilling life. It improves care quality, health outcomes and patient experience. It also enhances staff satisfaction.

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