We use the term 'patient-centered' frequently, but often it is more of a philosophical ideal that is referenced rather than a practical application. Mary Minniti shared the following definitions of four models which were presented at the recent Family Centered Care conference she attended with our patient representative Hal Peterson.
How does your practice view and act on the relationship between patients and health care professionals? Consider how you'd like it to be, and what it actually is now...Think about how you might realign your practice flow, and language to move you closer to your vision.
- Proponents of professional-centered models view professionals as experts who determine patient's needs from their own, as opposed to a patient's and family's, perspective. Interventions are implemented by professionals with patients and families being passive participants in the intervention process.
- In patient or family-allied models, patients are seen as the agents of professionals, and are enlisted to implement interventions that professionals deem important and necessary for optimal functioning. Professionals enlists patients and families to implement intervention under the guidance and tutelage of the professionals.
- Advocates of patient-focused models view patients and families as consumers of professional services, and assist patients and families in choosing among options that professionals consider necessary for best meeting patient and family needs. Interventions focus on monitoring patient use of professionally valued services.
- Proponents of patient-centered models view professionals as instruments of patients and familiies, and intervene in ways that (a) are individualized, flexible, and responsive, adn (b) support and strengthen patient and family functioning (see Dunst, Trivette, & Deal, 1994; Dunst, Trivette, & Thompson, 1990). Interventions emphasize capacity building and resource and support mobilization by patients and families.
These models refer frequently to families because they have been defined through studies focused on pediatric practices, however they are applicable for all patients and their support networks, whether they are based in family, friends, or other support environments.
