Why Patient-Centered Care Matters Now More than Ever

The healthcare landscape constantly evolves, with a growing emphasis on patient empowerment and personalized treatment plans. This shift has led to the rise of patient-centered care, a philosophy that prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of each patient.

Why is this approach so crucial in today’s healthcare environment? We explore that question below.

Improved Patient Outcomes

One priority for any healthcare leadership professional is improving patient care and outcomes. This could include reducing errors, enhancing safety, offering convenient virtual counseling options, and providing easy-to-understand visual representations of health data.

Studies have shown that patient-centered care leads to better health outcomes. When patients actively participate in their care decisions, they’re more likely to adhere to treatment plans and experience positive results.

For example, one study by Blue Cross Blue Shield found a 6 percent increase in diabetes control and an 8 percent increase in colorectal cancer screenings when patient-centered metrics, like customer satisfaction surveys, were adopted in a New Jersey hospital.

Enhanced Patient Satisfaction

Feeling heard and respected is essential for a positive patient experience. When patients feel their voices are heard, they’re more likely to be engaged in their care. Patient-centered care encourages open communication and collaboration, leading to a more proactive approach to health management.

Methods for enhancing patient satisfaction include:

• Involving patients in their own treatment (i.e. setting health goals or making decisions).
• Personalizing patient interactions (virtually and in-person).
• Fostering transparency with health records and health information.
• Increasing post-treatment engagement.

Essentially, patient-centered care fosters a collaborative environment where patients feel empowered to ask questions and voice their concerns. This leads to higher satisfaction with their care and a stronger sense of trust in their healthcare providers.

Reduced Costs

Patient-centered care can lead to cost savings in the long run. Because this style of care focuses on preventive measures and addressing concerns early on, providers are more likely to avoid unnecessary tests and procedures.

Social factors can also help reduce costs. Factors like income, education, and access to healthy food significantly impact health outcomes. Patient-centered care acknowledges these factors and, in certain cases, tailors treatment to address the unique circumstances of each patient.

Aligning with Evolving Healthcare Trends

The healthcare industry is moving towards a more value-based model, where providers are rewarded for delivering quality care at a lower cost. The days when patients are simply passive recipients of care are dwindling. Today, many patients want to be active participants in their health journey.

Patient-centered care empowers patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options, fostering a sense of ownership over their health.

Because of this, patient-centered care is well-positioned to succeed in this new value-based paradigm, as it focuses on improving outcomes and optimizing healthcare resources.

The Master of Science in Management Healthcare Administration at ENC can equip you with all the skills you need to be a patient-centered healthcare provider. This 100% online program is great for working professionals and can be completed in as little as 17 months!