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What is Patient and Family Centered Care?

by Paul Kazlauskas

When it comes to their health, patients often do not act alone on their behalf, but their health care decisions are intertwined with those closest to them — their family members and others to who they are emotionally tied.

According to the Joint Commission Standard RI.01.01.01, "The hospital respects the patient's right to participate in decisions about his or her care, treatment, and services. The hospital accommodates the patient's right to the presence of a family member, friend, or other designated advocate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Patients and family, then, are the second and third parts of the triumvirate with medical staff in the healthcare partnership that comprises the following four principles:

1. Respect and Dignity — Healthcare practitioners listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care.
2. Information Sharing — Healthcare practitioners communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patients and families receive timely, complete, and accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.
3. Participation — Patients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision-making at the level they choose.
4. Collaboration — Patients and families are also included on an institution-wide basis. Healthcare leaders collaborate with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation; in health care facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.
   
   

According to one patient, "My first admission to the adult hospital after spending five years in the children's hospital did not go well. I am a quadriplegic and I not only want my parents to spend the night — I need them to spend the night. I was told that is not how we do things over here. We now go to a different hospital that allows my parents to spend the night with me."

Patient- and Family-Centered Care is NOT "just an option." The elevation of the patient to partner is not a ceremonial title bestowed for a "feel good" moment, but has significant implications for the quality and safety of patient care.

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Posted on 3/30/2015