Patient-centred medical care

Why this matters

People live with illness inside a life: work, family, money, language, faith, fear. A technically correct plan that the person cannot use is not finished work.

What you should be able to do

1. Listen for what matters to this person, not only what the guideline lists.
2. Share decisions; obtain consent that is informed in this person’s language.
3. Involve family where the person wants that — and not where they do not.
4. Safety-net in words the person can act on.
5. Notice vulnerability and inequality without taking over the person’s agency.

The integration

Good patient-centred care holds four things together: patient values and circumstances; best available evidence; clinical expertise; safe and ethical practice.

Ask, do not assume. Cross-link: /learn/cultural-fluency.

Useful questions: What matters most to you? Who would you like involved? What concerns you about this treatment? Is there anything about your beliefs or circumstances we should understand?

Common pitfalls

Assuming what someone wants from their nationality, race, ethnicity, language or religion.

Confusing courtesy with consent.

Dumping a decision on a person who asked for a recommendation.