2013
Person-centered care is one of the six aims of healthcare quality established by the Institute of
Medicine (2001) and is defined as “providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.” In patientcentered organizations, patient and family input and engagement are both welcomed and sought out as an integral part of the operations and culture, with patients and families participating on committees, boards, and advisory groups to ensure an active role in all decisions related to services and service improvement (Balik, Conway, Zipperer, & Watson, 2011). Patient-centered care does not replace but complements and contributes to clinical treatment through effective partnerships and communication (Frampton et al., 2008). A growing evidence base shows that person-centered care is essential to improve clinical, financial, and service outcomes as well as satisfaction with care (Balik et al., 2011; Browne, Roseman, Shaller, & Edgman-Levitan, 2010; Adams & Drake, 2006). Research in physical care settings demonstrate that when patients are actively involved in their care, they are better able to manage complex chronic conditions, seek appropriate assistance, have reduced anxiety and stress, and shorter lengths of stay in the hospital (Balik et al., 2011). Health care for mental and substance-use conditions has embraced many facets of person-centered care through inclusion of consumer, family, and advocate voice, the use of peers and peer support in facilitating recovery, and inclusion of the individual in decision making (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2006). Many evidence-based and promising mental health practices and interventions promote person-centered care, choice, and self-directed care (Adams & Grieder, 2005; Adams & Grieder, 2014; Cook et al., 2009; Cook, Terrel, & Jonikas, 2004; Mueser et al., 2002). Although research on shared decision-making and person-centered care for individuals living with mental illness is relatively new (Adams & Drake, 2006) studies are beginning to demonstrate effectiveness (Stanhope, Marcus, Ingoglia, & Schmelter, 2013; Walker, Darer, Elmore, & Delbanco, 2013).
Authors
Laura Kaufman, M. A.
Stacey Stevens-Manser, Ph. D.