October is Patient-Centered Care Month. Maybe you have heard of the Patient-Centered Care Model, which is defined by the Institute of Medicine as “providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.” And it makes sense, because of course patients should be the center of the care they are receiving!
Research strongly suggests that medical providers can improve people’s well-being and health care experience, as well as increase career fulfillment, by involving patients and family members as equal partners in the process, according to Planetree, the global leader in advancing person-centered care.
It seems like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to be confused and let your health care providers handle the complicated stuff. But you are the expert about your body and your health. Your input goes a long way when it comes to your health care experience. Speak up! Engage in your health.
The best way to see the benefits of patient- and family-engaged care is to try it yourself. Here’s a to-do list of suggestions for patients and family members. Try one, or try them all. You are an important member of your health care team. You know you better than anyone else!
5 Suggestions to Engage:
- Ask health care providers if there is a way for you to be involved in improving care. For example, ask if they have a patient-family advisory council.
- Invite a loved one to accompany you to appointments, procedures, and consultations to provide support and an extra set of eyes and ears.
- Ask to be with your loved one at all times and involved in their care, if that’s something that would make them more comfortable.
- Tell your care providers what your health goals are—in your own terms. Example include being able to walk up a flight of stairs or being able to play with your grandchildren without getting winded.
- Come to doctor’s appointments prepared. Bring a notepad with questions, your medication list, and other pertinent personal health care information.
Want to learn more about what it means to #EngageforHealth? Watch this video that includes a mock doctor’s visit: