What you have learned in this section

• A person-centred approach to healthcare focuses on the individual’s personal needs, wants, desires and goals.
• Everything you do for a patient requires their consent; this may be explicit or implied.
• Six core values are recognised as applying to anyone in a caring role: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage and Commitment.
• Communication involves both listening and being heard.
• There is a wide range of potential barriers to effective communication.
• Under the Data Protection Act (1984) you must follow rules on how to store and handle information.
• In some circumstances personal information cannot be kept confidential.