Person-Centred Approach
Person-centred care is an evidence-based approach that demonstrates how placing the person at the centre of their care and focusing on their human rights can result in high-quality care and health services.
In health and social care, a person-centred approach is a practice in which people are actively included in their medical treatment, working in partnership with healthcare professionals and close family members or caregivers. The person-centred model of health care can be fully fledged in all treatment settings, including:
- Primary care
- In-patient care
- Out-patient care
- After-hospital care
- Acute care at home
- Long-term care
- Supported living
- 24-hour at home
- Emergency care
- Palliative care
The person-centred care shows a number of positive health outcomes and contributes to a fundamental transformation of the health system. Additionally, person-centred care is also beneficial for healthcare professionals who are able to make mutual decisions with the person being supported and their family members.
Traditional Medical Approach
The traditional form of medical health care is based on establishing diagnosis through symptoms, analysis and diagnostic tests. The main goal of the traditional medical approach is to address and treat the underlying symptoms and conditions. Therefore, the traditional medical approach often undermines a person’s personal and psycho-social needs after diagnosing a medical condition.
In other words, the traditional medical model often undervalues addressing what really matters to the person in need, apart from treating the existing ailments.
Focus of Person-Centred Care
Person-centred care focuses on the individual’s unique values, needs, strengths and capabilities. Person-centred care is personalised, and the mission, vision, and quality of care align with person-centred goals.
The human-based approach is collaborative, coordinated and inclusive, providing the proper care at the right time and place.
Person-focused care is centred towards the physical and emotional well-being of the person, allowing access to every kind of activity or medical care they need at the time. Ultimately, the primary goal of people-centred care is to improve individual health outcomes, which further positively impacts public health in general.
Focus of The Traditional Medical Model
The traditional medical approach focuses on a person’s disability, condition and limitations. Whether it is primary care, chronic health conditions, or supporting people with intellectual disabilities, the traditional model is based on “fixing the problem” following standard methods and practices. Most traditional care plans are written by emphasising “what’s wrong” with the person and do not focus on what the individual can do.
Another element of the traditional medical model is the terminology used, which is often negative. Words can have tremendous power over people’s feelings; in some cases, they can hurt, and others can heal. Therefore, the first thing to consider when evolving from a medical approach to a person-centred approach is to choose the words respectfully and avoid labelling people.
Key Differences Between Person-Centred Care and the Medical Model
To better understand the difference between person-centred care and the medical model, we compiled a list explaining the fundamentals of both practices.
Traditional Model
The traditional medical model is based on the following healthcare practices:
- Medical diagnoses, symptoms, deficits and disabilities
- Uses standardised assessments and treatments
- Appointment schedules and routines are planned by the medical institution involved
- Centralised decision-making, the treatment options are determined exclusively by the health care professionals
- Medical care is task-oriented, and healthcare teams undergo rotating assignments
- Healthcare teams are trained to complete tasks for any individual in need
- Healthcare services are impersonal, and every person is treated the same
- Focused on quality of treatment following the official regulations and health care standards
- The medical model of care lacks empathy, compassion and a sense of humanity
Person-centred Model
The person-centred model health care from a different perspective, placing each individual’s needs at the heart of their care, including:
- Focuses on a person’s strengths, preferences, and individual needs
- Any limitation of a medical condition is regarded as just one characteristic of the individual, not defining their identity
- Appointments and routines are designed to match the individual’s desires, needs and preferences
- The individual and their health care team work in partnership when making decisions about the care plan
- Healthcare teams tend to build strong and trusting relationships with the people they serve based on empathy, compassion and humanity
- Everyone is treated as a fellow citizen in the community, making efforts to participate in social activities actively
- Daily activities are based on a person’s interests and hobbies, synchronised with care around the clock
- Focuses on the overall quality of life of the individual
- Teams work with rather than work for a person receiving support
- Healthcare teams create a family and nurturing environment, whether they receive care at home, hospital or residential setting
Impact on Person’s Satisfaction and Outcomes
Person-centred care approach has a tremendous impact on a person’s satisfaction and better outcomes. Evidence shows promising results in creating a positive change in the health and social system with the implementation of people-focused care.
Here are several reasons why choosing person-focused care can be beneficial for you and the people around you:
- People gain trust and confidence in the healthcare provider
- Person-centred care significantly improves the quality of living by meeting the physical, emotional and social needs of the individual
- Respects the human rights and dignity of the individual
- People get more involved in their treatment and care plans, allowing them to make decisions and take responsibility for their own health
- Increased satisfaction and morale between healthcare teams
As the positive effects of person-centred care increase every day, it is expected that the human-focused approach will become an integral part of every health service in the public and private health sectors.
The Future of Healthcare: Integrating the Medical Model and Person-Centred Care
Being the foundation of all health and care practices, the medical model is essential for professional and effective health services. However, the human-based approach is essential to empower people to achieve their goals and lead an independent and meaningful life in the community.
Importance of Blending Both Approaches
To provide the best quality of life for individuals, healthcare professionals need to focus on delivering integrated care by blending the traditional medical model and person-centred care.
Taking the expertise from the medical approach and the humane perspective of the people-focused method, people can enjoy high-quality care, providing peace of mind and fostering their full potential.
Moving Towards a More person-centred Healthcare System
Moving towards more person-centred care positively impacts the individual, healthcare professionals and the healthcare system in general. Person-focused care also displays a change in the traditional passive “care receiver” role to an “active partner” in the healthcare journey.
Additionally, many healthcare providers perform satisfaction surveys where the people they’re supporting can show how satisfied they are with the care they are receiving. For that purpose, medical professionals continuously work on improving their healthcare services and tend to be more centred towards the person rather than the standard checklists of the medical care program.
Unique Community Services Proudly Applies Person-Centred Approaches
At Unique Community Services, we deliver person-centred care to people with complex care needs, tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Our clinicians are extensively trained in supporting people with learning disabilities, behaviour that challenges, epilepsy, eating disorders and other additional needs.
We train our clinicians in person-centred practices, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), and Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression to ensure we provide the highest standard of care.
We are proud to be recognised as a Great Place To Work® and Best Workplace for Well-being.
Our offices are based in Bristol and Manchester. Contact us to learn more about our unique 24/7 care at home for you or your loved one.
