What is the primary focus of patient-centered care?

The primary focus of patient-centered care is to understand and respect the patient's individual preferences and needs. This approach emphasizes the importance of tailoring healthcare to fit the unique circumstances of each patient, recognizing that effective care involves more than just addressing medical issues. It requires building a therapeutic relationship, encouraging open communication, and involving patients in decision-making about their care. By prioritizing the patient's voice, preferences, and values, healthcare providers can create a more personalized and effective treatment plan, ultimately leading to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes.

In contrast to this approach, reducing healthcare costs or implementing standardized treatment protocols does not prioritize the individual needs of the patient. Patient turnover rates are also not aligned with the philosophy of patient-centered care, which seeks to establish long-term relationships and continuity of care rather than merely moving patients in and out of the system quickly.