Meaning of Person-Centred Care
Person-centred care is a shift from the medical model of care to a more holistic healthcare approach called the social model. This approach emphasises the importance of involving individuals in making decisions about their care in partnership with healthcare professionals. Achieving person-centred care requires healthcare providers to apply this approach to their processes, from the initial assessment to the formulation of care and support plans.
Person-centred care involves active listening, continuous adjustment, and improvement, ensuring the individual remains at the centre of their care experience. It prioritises equitable access to health services for all individuals, including people with diverse backgrounds and needs. Furthermore, the importance of person-centred care is emphasised by its recognition as one of the 13 fundamental standards of care required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in the UK.
Value and Importance of Principles of Person-Centred Care
Person-centred care fosters trust and confidence throughout the care process. When individuals are treated with dignity and respect, their independence is preserved to the greatest extent possible. Also, person-centred care significantly improves the quality of everyday life by addressing not only the physical but also the emotional and social needs of individuals. Involving individuals in decision-making and tailoring care plans to their specific needs empowers them to be inspired and follow the care plan, resulting in improved health and care outcomes. Regardless of disability or health challenges, person-centred care shows people can lead fulfilling lives.
Respect Towards the Individual
Respect towards the individual is a fundamental aspect of person-centred care, emphasising the importance of tailoring care, support, and treatment to each person’s unique needs and preferences. Incorporating personalised care services into each individual’s care plan empowers them to retain autonomy while meeting their desires and needs.
To truly embrace the principles of person-centred care, healthcare professionals must take the time to get to know each individual and recognise their different qualities, values, boundaries, and perspectives. By showing respect and integrating care recipients into their care plan, healthcare providers can ensure that support is effective and aligns with the individual’s preferences and values, fostering a sense of dignity and empowerment in their healthcare journey.
Treating People With Dignity
Treating people with dignity is a fundamental principle of person-centred care, recognising that individuals maintain unique thoughts, feelings, ideas, and beliefs. Healthcare providers must approach individuals with respect, compassion, and care. Regardless of their needs, everyone deserves to feel validated and heard. Effective implementation of this principle by care providers involves respectful communication, active listening, and a commitment to preserving dignity.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Another essential principle of person-centred care is maintaining confidentiality. Respecting and safeguarding personal information is a legal and ethical obligation. Individuals must be assured that their personal details, medical history, and any sensitive information shared during their care will be kept confidential. By respecting individuals’ preferences regarding confidentiality, healthcare providers can create a collaborative and trust-based care environment where individuals feel in control of their personal information and are valued as active participants in their healthcare journey.
Involvement in Decisions and Respect for Preferences
In order to foster the development of an individual’s skills and improve their confidence, it is important to involve them in decision-making and respect their preferences, enabling them to perform daily activities independently as much as possible. However, it’s essential to respect each individual’s boundaries, ensuring they are not pushed beyond their personal limits.
To create an effective long-term care plan, it is vital to gain a deep understanding of the individual’s life experiences, well-being, and future goals, which helps tailor care to the individual’s unique needs and desires. Person-centred care centres on involving individuals in decision-making processes, encouraging them to take actions that support themselves. This approach empowers them to build their abilities and gain greater control over their lives.
Attention to the Individual’s Physical and Environmental Needs
Attention to an individual’s physical and environmental needs is a crucial aspect of person-centred care, as it directly impacts a person’s overall healthcare experience and well-being.
There are three areas that have a significant impact on physical and environmental needs:
- Effective pain management – addresses the physical aspect of care and significantly influences emotional well-being
- Proactive support with everyday activities and living needs – fosters a sense of dignity and autonomy for individuals, building skills and confidence
- Suitable surroundings and environment – creates a comfortable atmosphere that helps recovery and reduces stress
Beyond addressing physical needs, healthcare professionals must pay close attention to the emotional well-being of individuals. People commonly experience anxiety related to their well-being, treatment and diagnosis and may have concerns about their impact on themselves and their families. To provide person-centred care, healthcare providers must create an environment where individuals feel physically comfortable and emotionally supported, acknowledged, and reassured in their healthcare journey.
Support for Family and Carers
Support for family and carers is a crucial component of person-centred care. This principle underlines the importance of involving and accommodating family members and close friends in the individual’s care experience. Healthcare providers should make provisions for family and friends to be present and engaged in the care process, recognising that their support can significantly improve an individual’s emotional well-being and overall experience.
Collaborative decision-making ensures that an individual’s preferences and values are considered and provides a vital support network for the individual during their healthcare journey. Additionally, person-centred care recognises that family members and close friends who take on caregiving roles require support and guidance to fulfil their caregiving responsibilities effectively. Recognising their needs and providing the necessary resources and information can help reduce stress, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive and supportive healthcare experience for the individual.
Effective Treatment Provided by Trusted Healthcare Professionals
Effective treatment provided by trusted healthcare professionals is vital to person-centred care. Providing coordinated care among all clinicians involved in an individual’s care journey is essential to prevent confusion, stress or anxiety during recovery, especially when multiple types of care are being administered.
To achieve this, healthcare providers should document an individual’s needs, preferences and desires in their personalised care plans and share this information with relevant clinicians while maintaining confidentiality. Ensuring alignment across all support services is essential to avoid ineffective care and to establish an understanding of individual preferences. Technology, such as digital care plans and medication records, can facilitate this process by maintaining accurate and easily shareable records.
Nurseline Community Services Applies Person-Centred Care Approach
At Nurseline Community Services, we deliver person-centred care tailored to each individual’s unique needs and preferences. Our approach is rooted in person-centred care principles, supporting people to recognise and develop their strengths and abilities. At the same time, we provide proactive and compassionate care to help individuals live an independent and fulfilling life.
Our committed team works diligently to empower individuals through effective communication and personalised care planning, ensuring their care journey is tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. By prioritising the unique needs and preferences of each person under our care, we achieve improved outcomes and foster a sense of empowerment in the people we serve.
While our main offices are in Bristol, Gloucester, and Birmingham, our care services are available 24/7 throughout the UK, delivered in the comfort of your own home.
Contact us today to experience the difference of proactive, personalised care support.
