Do patients want patient centred care?

Few studies have assessed the preference of patients for patient centredness in the context of an impending appointment, nor the main domains from the patient's perspective. The study by Little et al (p 468) assessed patient preferences for different aspects of patient centredness in over 800 patients attending three general practices. They identified three important domains of the patient centred approach: communication, partnership, and health promotion. Patients strongly wanted all aspects of a patient centred approach. Doctors should be sensitive to those individuals who are likely to have a particularly strong preference for patient centredness: patients who are vulnerable either psychosocially or because they are feeling particularly unwell.

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Relevant Article

Preferences of patients for patient centred approach to consultation in primary care: observational study

Paul Little, Hazel Everitt, Ian Williamson, Greg Warner, Michael Moore, Clare Gould, Kate Ferrier, and Sheila Payne
BMJ 2001 322: 468. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]