Person-Centered Care Nursing Theory Concepts

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Person-centered care in nursing emphasizes recognizing and respecting each patient as a unique individual. It involves understanding the patient’s culture, beliefs, and preferences, and building a trusting relationship between the patient and healthcare provider. This approach shifts the focus from a disease-centered model to a holistic, patient-centered model that aims to improve individual and community health outcomes. The core concepts include acknowledging the person as the recipient of care, considering environmental factors, addressing multiple dimensions of health (physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual), and utilizing knowledge from education and practice to deliver effective nursing interventions. Nursing theory, especially person-centered care, guides nurses in making evidence-based decisions, planning appropriate interventions, and evaluating patient responses to care (Black, 2019; Fix et al., 2018).

What is Person-Centered Care?

Person-centered care is a healthcare approach that regards each patient as a unique individual, irrespective of their cultural, religious, or community background. It involves establishing a trusting relationship and modifying care practices to align with the patient’s specific needs and preferences. Unlike traditional disease-focused care, which primarily aims at curing illness, person-centered care emphasizes holistic well-being, fostering patient engagement, and ensuring that care plans reflect the patient’s values and wishes. This approach not only aims to improve health outcomes but also enhances patient adherence to medical recommendations, resulting in a more satisfying care experience (Fix et al., 2018). The goal is to support autonomy, where patients retain the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare, thus respecting their dignity and promoting a sense of control over their health journey.

Why is Person-Centered Care Important?

The importance of person-centered care lies in its respect for patient autonomy—the right of individuals to make decisions in their best interest based on comprehensive information. This model fosters personalized care, reduces unnecessary procedures, and enhances health outcomes. When patients feel their preferences and input are valued, they are more likely to engage actively in their care, leading to improved compliance and satisfaction. Patient autonomy aligns with the ethical principles guiding nursing practice, ensuring respect, beneficence, and non-maleficence are upheld. Furthermore, by acknowledging individual differences and promoting shared decision-making, person-centered care contributes to better health management and improved quality of life for patients (Black, 2019).

Examples of Patient-Centered Care

• Allowing patients to select their preferred food options based on cultural or personal preferences.
• Inviting family members or chosen support persons to participate in care planning and decision-making processes.
• Allowing patients to choose the timing for education sessions to ensure they are receptive and comfortable.
• Respecting patients' needs for rest and naps, and scheduling interventions accordingly.

Environmental Factors Influencing Person-Centered Care

Creating an environment that supports holistic health is essential in person-centered care. Noise levels in hospitals, often caused by staff conversations and equipment alarms, can cause sensory overload, stress, and reduced patient comfort. Strategies to improve the environment include minimizing hallway conversations, encouraging staff to speak softly, and responding promptly to alarm sounds. Soft background music may also promote relaxation and mask disruptive noises, fostering a calm atmosphere conducive to healing. Reducing environmental stressors enhances patients’ overall experience, supports their well-being, and aligns with holistic care principles (Black, 2019).

Promoting Intellectual and Physical Wellness

Holistic health encompasses not only physical well-being but also intellectual and emotional wellness. Engaging in meaningful intellectual activities such as discussions, debates, or educational engagement can stimulate cognitive functions and promote mental health (Black, 2019). Sleep hygiene is equally important; ensuring 7-8 hours of quality sleep supports immune function, cognitive performance, and emotional stability. Strategies for better sleep include avoiding caffeine and screens before bedtime, managing stress, and maintaining a routine. Promoting these wellness practices within healthcare settings empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery and fosters a holistic approach to health.

Conclusion

Person-centered care represents a paradigm shift in nursing from a disease-centric model to a holistic, individualized approach that recognizes the intrinsic worth of each person. It emphasizes respecting patient autonomy, building trust, and tailoring care to meet unique preferences and needs. Environmental modifications, such as reducing noise and promoting comfort, alongside strategies for intellectual and physical wellness, are vital components of this model. Implementing person-centered care improves health outcomes, enhances patient satisfaction, and fosters a more humane healthcare environment. As nursing continues to evolve, valuing the person as the core of care remains fundamental to ethical practice and quality healthcare delivery.

References

• Black, B. (2019). Professional Nursing E-Book: Concepts & Challenges (9th ed.). Saunders.
• Fix, G. M., VanDeusen Lukas, C., Bolton, R. E., Hill, J. N., Mueller, N., LaVela, S. L., & Bokhour, B. G. (2018). Patient-centred care is a way of doing things: How healthcare employees conceptualize patient-centred care. Health Expectations: An International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy, 21(1), 300–307.
• McCormack, B., & McCance, T. (2010). Person-centred nursing: Theory and practice. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Ekman, I., Swedberg, K., Taft, C., et al. (2011). Person-centered care—ready for prime time. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 10(4), 248–251.
• Barry, M. M., & Edgman-Levitan, S. (2012). Shared decision making—the pinnacle of patient-centered care. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(9), 780–781.
• Kitwood, T. (1997). Dementia reconsidered: The person comes first. Open University Press.
• McCance, T., McCormack, B., & Dewing, J. (2010). An exploration of person-centredness in practice. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 15(2), Manuscript 4.
• Charalambous, A., & Fong, H. (2016). Exploring the concept of person-centeredness in nursing. Nursing Forum, 51(4), 264–273.
• Sweeney, K., & Doody, O. (2015). Person-centredness in nursing: An overview of the literature. British Journal of Nursing, 24(14), 761–766.
• Dwamena, F., Holmes-Rovner, M., Gaulden, C. M., et al. (2012). Interventions for providers to promote a patient-centred approach in clinical consultations. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD003267.