Nursing : Patient-Centered Care and Its Implementation

 Patient-Centered Care and Its Implementation

When someone gets sick or needs medical help, they go to doctors and nurses who take care of them. Have you ever thought about how important it is for doctors and nurses to listen to patients? It’s crucial for patients to feel understood and comfortable during their care. This is called "patient-centered care."

In this approach, the most important person is the patient. The doctors and nurses focus on what the patient needs and wants. This kind of care helps patients feel better faster and makes sure they get the right treatment.

In this assignment, we’ll explain what patient-centered care is and why it’s important. We’ll also discuss how nurses can use it to help their patients.

Definition and Principles of Patient-Centered Care

Patient-centered care ensures that patients are the main focus of doctors and nurses. It means putting the patient's needs and concerns first in all decisions. Imagine a hospital where everyone listens and explains things clearly. They also ask what you prefer before making decisions. That’s patient-centered care!

It’s not just about giving medicine or doing tests. It’s also about understanding what the patient needs and their concerns. It’s important to know how they want to be treated. (NAPS, 2001)

For example, if a patient feels sick from morning medicine, the nurse can help find a better time. This makes the treatment easier for the patient. If a patient is afraid of needles, the doctor can explain why the shot is needed. They will also make sure the patient feels comfortable.

Nursing Practice and Application

Patient-centered care helps people get better faster. It also makes them feel safe and cared for. When doctors and nurses listen to patients, it helps a lot. Involving patients in decisions makes them more likely to follow advice. They are also more likely to take their medicine on time.

This can lead to better health and fewer visits to the hospital. When patients feel heard, they are less scared or stressed. This helps them recover faster. Feeling understood makes the healing process easier. (The new england journal of medicine, n.d.)

Patient-centered care builds trust between patients and healthcare workers. When patients feel valued, they trust their caregivers more. This trust improves the overall care experience.

When patients trust their doctors and nurses, they feel more comfortable asking questions. This helps them talk about their concerns openly. Addressing issues early can prevent problems from getting worse.

The Benefits of Patient-Centered Care

There are lots of good things about patient-centered care. First, it makes patients happier. When nurses and doctors listen carefully, patients feel better. This helps them feel better both physically and emotionally. Feeling cared for improves their overall well-being. They feel like they are important and that their opinions matter. Feeling happy helps patients heal faster. They are more likely to follow their treatment plans. They also take better care of themselves. Second, patient-centered care can help prevent mistakes in the hospital. When doctors and nurses focus on each patient’s needs, they make fewer errors. This means they are less likely to give the wrong medicine. They also miss fewer important symptoms. Finally, patient-centered care can make hospitals and clinics better places to work. Nurses and doctors who care deeply feel more satisfied with their jobs. They know they are making a real difference in people’s lives. This satisfaction comes from helping others. (Epstein, n.d.)

Challenges in Patient-Centered Care

Even though patient-centered care is great, it can be hard to do all the time. One big challenge is that doctors and nurses are often really busy. They might have many patients to take care of, and sometimes there just isn’t enough time to spend with each one. This can make it difficult to always give patient-centered care. (The new england journal of medicine, n.d.)

Another challenge is that not all healthcare workers involve patients in decisions. Some doctors and nurses prefer to make decisions on their own. They might not ask patients for their opinions. This can make patient-centered care harder to practice. This means they might need extra training to practice patient-centered care.

Hospitals may also face challenges with resources. They might not have enough staff or special equipment. This can make it harder to give each patient the best care. Despite these challenges, doctors and nurses should keep practicing patient-centered care. It makes a big difference for patients. (Cwritch, n.d.)

Examples of Patient-Centered Care

To understand patient-centered care better, let’s look at some examples. Imagine a nurse is taking care of an elderly patient who has a hard time moving around. Instead of just giving medicine and leaving, the nurse might talk to the patient.

They’ll check how the patient is feeling. The nurse might adjust the bed and bring extra pillows. They may also make sure the patient has something to drink. These small actions help the patient feel more comfortable. They show that the patient’s comfort and feelings are important.

Another example is when a nurse is taking care of a child who is scared of getting a shot. Instead of giving the shot quickly, the nurse might talk to the child first. They’ll explain what’s going to happen. The nurse might also show the needle to make it less scary.

This helps the child feel more at ease. The nurse might also let the child hold a favorite toy or have a parent hold their hand while they get the shot. By making the child feel safe and understood, the nurse practices patient-centered care. (NAPS, 2001)

This shows how patient-centered care focuses on the patient’s needs. It ensures that the patient feels comfortable. It also provides the support they need.

How Patient-Centered Care Helps Nurses

Patient-centered care doesn’t just help patients—it also helps nurses and doctors. When nurses know that they are making a difference in their patients’ lives, they feel proud of their work. This can make their jobs more enjoyable and satisfying.

It also helps nurses build strong relationships with their patients. When patients feel their nurse cares about them, they trust the nurse more. This trust makes patients more likely to follow advice. (Cwritch, n.d.)

It also helps nurses do their jobs better. Patients who trust their nurses take their health more seriously.

Conclusion

Patient-centered care focuses on the patient’s needs, feelings, and wishes. It helps patients feel better faster and ensures they get the right treatment. This approach also builds trust between patients and healthcare workers.

It makes the overall care experience more effective and supportive. Even though it can be hard to practice patient-centered care all the time, it’s very important. Nurses and doctors practicing patient-centered care greatly impact their patients' lives.

They show kindness, understanding, and respect. Continuing this care helps patients feel valued. It also helps create a healthier world for everyone.

References

Cwritch, R. (n.d.). Sage Journals. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1077558712465774

Epstein. (n.d.). psycnet. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-07348-001

NAPS. (2001). National acedemic press. Retrieved from google: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10027/chapter/2

The new england journal of medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/nejmp1109283