How Can We Prioritise Person-Centred Healthcare?
The CQC recognises person-centred care as being central to good quality health services. At Protec Baths, we follow this same philosophy by assisting care homes to create bathrooms that facilitate holistic, dignified personal care. Our post “Person-Centred Care for the Elderly and Those with Dementia: Why It’s So Important” highlights the significance of this approach.
In this article, we share how you can prioritise person-centred care in your own home or organisation, allowing patients, family members, or friends to thrive under your supervision.
What Is Person-Centred Healthcare?
Summarised, person-centred healthcare underpins dementia, learning disabilities, mental health, and end of life care core skills frameworks. It uses a holistic approach to treat individuals receiving healthcare with dignity and respect and involving them in all decisions about their treatment.
We can prioritise this approach by applying the following:
Providing Information on Conditions and All Possible Treatments
Thorough patient information ensures that individuals and their loved ones are fully aware of their options and the steps that need to be taken so that they can plan. A person-centred approach involves conveying this information in a way they can understand, including using familiar words and terminology. The NHS supports this approach with a helpful guide that outlines requirements and best practices when sharing healthcare information.
Involving Patients in Decisions
According to the NHS constitution, all patients have the right to choose the type of care and treatment they receive. Care facilities and staff are, therefore, encouraged to empower individuals with their choices and consider personal values and expectations when formulating a treatment and care plan.
Giving Emotional Support
Along with providing information, person-centred care involves providing emotional support during each step of the caring process, from establishing plans to applying treatment and care. Types of emotional support include therapies, access to the best amenities, quality of care, communication and involvement, and adaptability to future needs. The latter must be acknowledged throughout care, with doctors, staff, and caregivers considering that needs can change.
Building Confidence and Trust
Research has found that individuals who have confidence and trust in their care service report having a higher quality of life with better patient-outcomes.
At Protec Baths, we help build confidence and trust by offering bathing solutions that encourage comfort and dignity during a delicate facet of care.
How can you build confidence and trust during patient-centred care?
As a care home or caregiver, you can build confidence and trust by:
- Listening to and supporting the needs of patients
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Practising empathy and patience
- Regarding comfort as a necessary part of care and treatment
- Continuously researching options and tools that can facilitate dignified care
Choosing the right care home is a complex decision that affects the whole family. By practising a person-centred approach to care, you showcase your aspiration to ensure holistic well-being for the individuals trusted to you.