Patient-Centered Care: A Case Study

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It no longer seems possible to walk into a hospital without seeing dozens of signs advertising their commitment to patient-centered care. Not only that, but just going online or watching TV and people will see those same adverts. However, what does it mean to truly offer patient-centered care? In addition, how many places actually follow through with what they are boasting to have accomplished?
In order to be patient-centered hospitals must meet specific criteria:
A value of cultural and personal differences, a plan that goes beyond the initial visit, education, encouragement of activities conducive of healing, and above all, patient inclusion in decision making.
Without all of these things, a hospital would fall short of being able to claim patient-centeredness. A patient’s culture and beliefs can have a heavy impact on how they approach health care. Health professionals must be open to being flexible with how they approach patient’s needs. Educating their patients can also be difficult if they can’t understand their patient’s viewpoints. By having a better understanding of their patient, they will be able to create plans for patients to reach health goals. In this way they will be encouraging the health of their patients through what the patient does outside of the hospital.
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No two patients are alike, so having a care plan as unique as they are, seems the best line of action. Especially in a country such as the US where in 2013, 13% of citizens have immigrated from other countries, making 80 million people either 1st or 2nd generation in the US (Zong, 2015). Many of these cultures view health very differently. In order to ensure they are getting the best care, sometimes plans must be changed to accommodate. Patient-centered care can also benefit patients outside of a cultural