The health industry has grown tremendously over the years. New technologies have helped the industry touch new heights in delivering healthcare services efficiently and effectively. Changes have also centered on modifying traditional methods to introduce patient-centered care in the 1980s. Patient-centered care takes the patients, mental and emotional health and cultural and religious preferences into account and offers treatment according to their needs. 

Over the years, it has shown tremendous results, such as decreased depression and anxiety in patients. Additionally, patients feel more valued and respected. Moreover, every health caregiver is involved in the treatment using patient-centered care. Therefore, it not only increases patient satisfaction but improves the caregiver’s job satisfaction as well.

So, here are a few ways in which healthcare facilities can ensure they deliver effective patient-centered care.

Higher qualifications for health practitioners

Both doctors and nurses are the core team responsible for delivering patient care. So, they learn new methods through higher degrees to give the best treatment according to the patient’s needs. Skill-based specializations, like surgery and cardiology, are already available for doctors and nurses because specialized services improve the quality of patient care. In addition to skills, there is a significant shift towards providing health services with empathy and kindness. 

Higher research degrees are generally associated with research and teaching and rarely with professional practice. However, one of the best ways for health practitioners to provide patient-centered care is by enrolling in higher qualifications. Doctoral degrees in nursing, for instance, can help nurses to be better equipped for leadership roles to ensure patient-centered values in nursing practice. Many programs allow nurses to go directly to higher studies after their bachelor’s by enrolling in a BSN to DNP degree without a master’s. It opens up various career opportunities, with potential growth as a health service manager or nurse supervisor.

Hence, higher qualifications can help health practitioners set standards to ensure effective patient-centered care for patients.

Respect for patient

Respect is a significant element in all interactions, and healthcare givers must be extra careful to establish a degree of respect for patient-centered care. Healthcare givers must be mindful of their patient’s needs and wants and cater to them accordingly. Similarly, being aware of patients’ cultural and religious preferences is crucial. Patient-centered care breaks the tradition of viewing patients from a clinical point of view. Instead, its purpose is to deal with patients humanely and remember they are individuals with real lives. 

The most effective way to ensure patient-centered care is by learning more about your patients’ preferences. Health practitioners should respectfully communicate with their patients. They should ask them about their sentiments, ethnicity, and faith. Moreover, sharing their needs and desires will help you understand more about your patients. It will also help you create a space of mutual respect and trust. Respecting patients will further build inclusivity and equity.

Furthermore, it will motivate your patient in their health journey. Respectfully addressing patients will aid them in feeling secure and understood. Hence, all these positive emotions will immensely impact the patient’s overall health.

Involvement of the patient and family

Traditional health care disregards patients’ and their family’s opinions and only follows medical protocols. While establishing medical protocols is vital, you must also hear your patient’s views. Involving them as avid participants of the health treatment will only make the treatment more comprehensive. 

Including patients and family as active members in the treatment will help you understand the patient’s history. Knowing the patient’s history can help you determine the causes behind their illness or find the solution to their problem. 

Competent healthcare givers will listen and provide essential feedback. Moreover, they will explain the health care plan to their patients as a considerate and compassionate health practitioner. In return, it will make your patients feel heard and comfortable. Thus, the involvement of patients and families is vital for effective patient-centered care.

Addressing patients’ mental health

Studies have shown that patients suffering from chronic illnesses are also prone to developing depression and anxiety. In addition, patients suffering from the disease can feel agitation and stress. Moreover, the longer the condition persists, the more likely a patient will suffer from pessimism and hopelessness. Patients might also experience inconsistent sleep patterns and fluctuations in appetite. 

Illness can make patients feel stressed, which sometimes makes them feel unheard. The feeling of being unheard can push patients to isolate themselves. Therefore, addressing patients’ mental health is crucial. Hence, health practitioners should speak about their mental health and ask them questions like “how are you feeling” or “how has your mental health been.” Asking such a question will allow your patient to speak their heart and mind. It will also relieve them and help you understand where they stand. 

After analyzing the patient’s health, you can decide whether to collaborate with other health professionals to give the best-customized treatment. For example, healthcare givers can get the patient to engage with a psychologist or therapist to optimize their health plan. Likewise, a mental health specialist hearing a patient’s trauma will give them solace and satisfaction.

Maintaining a supportive environment

A patient’s environment significantly impacts their health. Patients need to be in a supportive and friendly environment. The atmosphere of the facility has to be peaceful and comforting. Hospitals should have different leisure rooms for patients. These facilities can help patients relieve stress and engage in healthy activities.  

Hospitals can make prayer rooms and organize facilities and programs like support groups for pain management, stress relief, etc. Furthermore, hospitals can put pleasant music and flowers around the hospital to make it look more welcoming. In addition, using scents like lavender can help bring stress levels down.

Lastly, the staff of the hospital needs to be courteous. Addressing patients in a positive tone and showing gratitude is essential. Well-mannered and polite staff will help enhance patient satisfaction and build loyalty. 

Conclusion

The health industry is evolving daily, and more and more health facilities need higher standards of patient-centered care. Patient-centered care aims to provide personalized care to patients. It focuses on looking at patients from an emotional and empathetic point of view instead of a clinical perspective. Moreover, patient-centered care focuses on valuing the patient’s opinions and needs and includes their family in the whole process. It also aims to assist the patient with emotional and moral support to reduce stress and tension. 

There are many ways through which health facilities can provide effective patient-centered care. Respect is a primary factor. Healthcare givers have to address patients and their needs respectfully. Moreover, maintaining a supportive environment is critical as a patient’s environment significantly impacts their health. Moreover, involving the patient’s family is necessary as it enables you to reach better results. Lastly, addressing mental health issues is vital. Thus, health facilities can provide effective patient-centered care.