What is the primary focus of patient-centered care?

The primary focus of patient-centered care is to tailor care to meet the specific needs and preferences of each individual patient. This approach emphasizes the importance of involving patients in their own care, which includes understanding their unique values, preferences, and circumstances. By prioritizing the patient's perspective, healthcare providers can deliver more personalized, effective care, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.

In a patient-centered care model, the goal is to build a therapeutic relationship where patients feel empowered to share their concerns and preferences, enabling providers to design treatment plans that align with what is most important to the individual. This contrasts with approaches that might prioritize efficiency or standardization, which do not account for the nuances present in each patient's situation. Thus, the essence of patient-centered care lies in individualized support and respect for each patient's role in their own healthcare decisions.