In healthcare, delivering the right treatment is only part of the equation. Just as important is how that care is delivered—and whether it reflects the individual needs, values, and preferences of the person receiving it.
Person-centered care means focusing on the individual, not just the illness. It’s an approach that respects each patient’s unique needs, values, and preferences.
Person-centered care involves listening carefully, communicating clearly, and working together with patients to make informed decisions. It helps build trust, improve relationships, and lead to better health outcomes.
Here are six simple ways to bring person-centered care into your daily practice.
6 Ways to Deliver Person-Centered Care
1. Listen to understand, not just to respond
Let patients speak freely about their experiences and concerns. Use active listening skills—like maintaining eye contact and asking thoughtful questions—to show you're present and interested in what they have to say.
2. Respect individual preferences and values
Ask what matters most to each patient. Honor their goals, routines, and beliefs when planning and delivering care. Respectful, personalized care fosters trust and encourages stronger engagement.
3. Involve patients in decisions
Present care options clearly and check for understanding. Include patients in every step of the decision-making process so they feel ownership and confidence in their care plan.
4. Communicate in ways that work for the patient
Adapt your language, tone, and approach to meet each patient’s needs. Use plain language, visual aids, or interpreters as needed, and confirm understanding before moving forward.
5. Treat the person, not the diagnosis
Go beyond the clinical picture to understand the broader context of the patient’s life. Social, emotional, and practical factors often shape how care is received—and how well it works.
6. Follow up and follow through
Reinforce your care by staying connected. Check in to clarify next steps, address concerns, and show the patient their care doesn’t stop when the visit ends.
These straightforward techniques can help any healthcare professional deliver more person-centered care—one interaction at a time.
Download the printable tip sheet
Want to share these strategies with your team? Get our free one-page tip sheet, 6 Ways to Deliver Person-Centered Care, for a quick, printable reference you can post, email, or keep on hand.
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